Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
A female reticulated python (Malayopythonreticulatus) has been recognized as the longest wild snake in the world.
Its length from head to tail is 7.22 meters, according to a statement from the Guinness World Records. The giant specimen, nicknamed Ibu Baron (which translates as Baroness), was discovered in Maros Regency on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, in late 2025.
Guinness World Records confirmed the record size on January 18 after carrying out official measurements. Researchers from the institution believe that under anesthesia, the reptile's body could have stretched to 7.9 meters, but they decided not to risk the reptile's health for this experiment.
To record the snake's measurements, experts used a measuring tape and scales. Baroness weighed 96.5 kg, comparable to the weight of an adult giant panda. The record-breaking snake is currently under the care of conservationist Budi Purwanto.
Purwanto rescued the snake in December 2025, when he bought it from local residents immediately after its discovery. Baroness now lives in a spacious enclosure on his private property, along with other rescued reptiles. This measure protects both the snake itself and humans, who often kill large pythons out of fear. In this region, snakes often attack domestic animals such as dogs and livestock; in recent years, even humans have been victims.
The longest wild reticulated python scientifically measured in recent years is believed to be a 6.95-meter female found in East Kalimantan, Borneo, in August 1999. That reptile was found devouring a newborn baby sun bear that was equipped with a tracking device.
However, in terms of weight, there is another colossal constrictor that surpasses pythons in weight. Female green anacondas (Eunectesmurinus and E. akayima), although they average 3 to 5 meters in length and usually weigh between 30 and 70 kg, the largest specimens of this species, after a large meal or during pregnancy, can weigh up to 300 kg. (Text and photo: RT)
