A massive reticulated python discovered in Indonesia has officially been recognised as the longest wild snake in the world, following confirmation by the Guinness Book of World Records.
According to media reports, the extraordinary reptile was found in the Maros region of South Sulawesi and later subjected to a formal verification process.
After reviewing video footage, photographs, and measurement data, Guinness World Records confirmed that the female python measures 23 feet and 8 inches in length. As a result, it now holds the global title for the longest snake ever recorded living in the wild. The finding has attracted widespread attention from wildlife experts and conservation enthusiasts alike.
Reticulated pythons are already known as the longest snake species on Earth. However, the newly confirmed specimen significantly exceeds the species’ typical adult length, which usually ranges between 9 feet 10 inches and 19 feet 2 inches. Consequently, experts describe the discovery as exceptionally rare.
Search effort and conservation oversight
The snake is currently under the supervision of conservation expert Budi Purwanto, licensed snake catcher Diaz Nugraha, and natural history photographer Radu Frentiu. Together, they are ensuring the animal’s safety while also documenting its condition and habitat.
Nugraha and Frentiu said they began actively searching for the python after hearing repeated local reports about an unusually large snake in the area. Eventually, their efforts led to the successful identification and documentation of the reptile, allowing its record-breaking size to be verified.
The team named the snake “Ebu Baron,” which translates to “Baroness.” Meanwhile, conservationists have emphasised the importance of protecting such rare specimens, noting that habitat preservation remains crucial for the survival of large reptiles in Indonesia’s forests. Overall, the discovery highlights the region’s rich biodiversity and ongoing conservation challenges.
