Titanoboa

Titanoboa (/ˌtaɪtənəˈboʊə/; lit. 'titanic boa') is an extinct genus of giant boid snake that lived during the middle to late Paleocene epoch, about 60–58 million years ago. Discovered in northeastern Colombia, it is widely regarded as one of the largest snakes ever known. The species Titanoboa cerrejonensis was formally described in 2009 after researchers recovered 186 fossils from the Cerrejón coal mines. Early finds included thoracic vertebrae and ribs, while later expeditions uncovered parts of the skull and teeth.

Estimates state that Titanoboa reached lengths of roughly 12.8–14.3 m (42–47 ft). Its weight likely ranged between about 730 and 1,135 kg (1,610–2,500 lb). These dimensions far exceed those of the largest living snakes, including the green anaconda and the reticulated python. At the time of its description, Titanoboa surpassed the earlier fossil giant Gigantophis as the largest snake known from the fossil record. Some later discoveries, such as Vasuki indicus, may rival its length, though Titanoboa remains more massive.

Titanoboa evolved after the extinction of all non-avian dinosaurs, making it one of the largest reptiles to appear following the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction event. Its vertebrae are very robust and wide, with a pentagonal shape in anterior view, similar to other members of Boinae. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the genus is most closely related to extant boines from the Indo-Pacific region, including species from Madagascar.

Titanoboa is believed to have been a semi-aquatic apex predator, feeding primarily on fish.