Will Smith helped document a new anaconda species

Will Smith joined a 2022 National Geographic expedition that collected a scale sample from a 16–17-foot green anaconda; analyses announced in 2024 identified the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayama) as a distinct species.

During a 2022 National Geographic expedition in the Amazon, actor Will Smith took part in field work while filming the series Pole to Pole with Will Smith. The team included venom researcher Bryan Fry and indigenous Waorani guides, who located and secured a large female green anaconda estimated at 16 to 17 feet. A scale sample was collected for analysis, and researchers later reported in 2024 that genetic work identified a distinct species named the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayama). The species is described as genetically distinct from the southern green anaconda and is reported from parts of northern South America. Key details: - The 2022 expedition was filmed by National Geographic as part of the Pole to Pole project and included Will Smith, Bryan Fry, and Waorani guides. - The team secured a female green anaconda about 16–17 feet long and removed a scale sample for laboratory analysis. - Bryan Fry said the collected scale sample can be used to measure pollutant accumulation in the animal and its environment. - Genetic analyses announced in 2024 identified the northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayama) as distinct from Eunectes murinus, with an estimated divergence around 10 million years ago. - The northern green anaconda's reported range includes Venezuela, Colombia, Suriname, French Guiana, and northern Brazil. - Pole to Pole with Will Smith is scheduled to premiere January 13, 2026, with streaming on Disney+ the following day. Summary: The field work and collected samples expanded scientific knowledge of anaconda diversity and provided material for pollutant studies reported by researchers. Pole to Pole with Will Smith will premiere on January 13, 2026, and will stream on Disney+ on January 14, 2026.