Wednesday, 30 July 2025 International Friendship Day, officially recognized by the United Nations, is celebrated annually on 30 July to emphasize the importance of friendship in fostering peace, solidarity, and mutual understanding among peoples and cultures across the globe. The day encourages individuals, communities, and nations to build bridges of harmony, especially in times of rising tension, conflict, or division.
Introduction In the dense forests, grasslands, and arid zones of South America, one of the continent’s most formidable serpents lurks silently — the South American Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus). Also known as the tropical rattlesnake, this snake stands out not only for its distinctive rattle-tipped tail but also for its potent neurotoxic venom, which can cause devastating effects on its prey and potential human victims. Unlike its North American cousins, this species combines both lethality and adaptability, thriving in a variety of ecosystems from Brazil to Argentina. Physical Appearance The South American rattlesnake is instantly recognizable due to its heavy body, triangular-shaped head, and of course, the rattle at the tip of its tail, used as a warning signal when threatened. It typically measures 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length, although some specimens have reached lengths up to 1.8 meters. Its coloration varies depending on the habitat but usually features gray, brown, or olive-gr...