Titanoboa was first described in 2009, some five years after it was excavated from rocks exposed at the Cerrejón coal mine in Colombia, which lies to the west of the mouth of Lake Maracaibo. The remains of approximately 30 individuals have been recovered. The majority are adults, but some juveniles have been found.

Can Titanoboa come back?

As the Earth's temperatures rise, there's a possibility the Titanoboa - or something like it - could make a comeback. But scientist Dr Carlos Jaramillo points out that it wouldn't happen quickly: "It takes geological time to develop a new species. It could take a million years - but perhaps they will!"

Is there any Titanoboa in the world?

The only known species is Titanoboa cerrejonensis, the largest snake ever discovered, which supplanted the previous record holder, Gigantophis garstini.