What characteristic of a reported sighting should an experienced biologist use to validate it as a reliable native habitat marker?
Answer
Cross-referencing the coordinates with known marshlands fed by the Paraguay or Paraná rivers.
To confirm the reliability of an observational data point for *Eunectes notaeus*, one must evaluate it against known ecological requirements. An experienced biologist would immediately check if the reported location correlates geographically with established marshlands or areas directly influenced by the Paraná or Paraguay river systems. This verification process filters out potentially erroneous data points, such as misidentifications or sightings of released pets in unsuitable arid or mountainous terrains, ensuring the data reflects the species' actual core habitat.

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