The Atlas Obscura Podcast Snake Island (Classic)
6 snips
Nov 17, 2025 Karina Bonsi, a Brazilian biologist specializing in snakes, shares her firsthand experiences on Ilha de Queimada Grande, also known as Snake Island. She dispels myths surrounding its dangerous reputation, emphasizing that the island's isolation helped produce the endemic golden lancehead viper. Karina explains how migratory birds are a primary food source and discusses the evolution of the viper's potent venom. Her conservation efforts include educating locals to change negative perceptions of snakes, highlighting the importance of protecting these unique reptiles.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
First Visit Turned Lifelong Work
- Karina Bonsi first went to Snake Island in 2013 after her boss invited her and felt excited despite fears and seasickness.
- She kept returning multiple times a year and now works there frequently studying snakes.
Isolation Drove Unique Snake Evolution
- Golden lancehead vipers evolved on Ilha de Queimada Grande after rising sea levels isolated ancestors from the continent about 11,000 years ago.
- Isolation plus lack of predators allowed the species to thrive and become endemic to the island.
Birds Shaped Venom Speed
- The golden lancehead feeds mainly on migratory birds that stop twice yearly, driving evolution of fast-acting hemotoxic venom.
- Quick-acting venom prevents birds from escaping and increases hunting success on the island.