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| Caimans |
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| Common
Name: |
caiman |
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| Class:
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Reptilia |
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| Order: |
Crocodylia |
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| Family:
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Alligatoridae |
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| Genus
species: |
Three
genera (Caiman, Melanosuchus, and Paleosuchus)
encompassing 6 species) |
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| Fast
Facts |
| Description:
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Varies
according to species. All have wide, flat heads with rounded noses.
Eyeline ridge is slightly more pronounced than in the closely related
American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis. When mouth
is closed, only teeth from upper jaw are visible. |
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| Size:
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Smallest
species = Paleosuchus palpebrosus, 1.2 m (females) - 1.5 meters
(males)
Largest species = Melanosuchus niger, 4 - 6 m (males) |
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| Weight:
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| Diet:
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As juveniles,
the various caiman species feed on crustaceans, insects, small fish,
amphibians, small mammals, and birds. As adults, they feed on fish,
birds, other reptiles, amphibians, and various mammalian species. |
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| Incubation: |
Varies
according to species. Up to 115 days. Nest size varies from 10 to
70 eggs - again, depending on species. |
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| Sexual
maturity: |
5-15
years, depending on species |
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| Life
span: |
Though
somewhat undetermined, current estimates place caimans' life expectancy
at 30-40 years. It should be noted, however, that larger crocodilians
have been documented with lifespans of 70-90 years. Some accounts
allow for crocodilian lifespans in excess of 100 years. |
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| Range:
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Southern
Mexico & the remainder of the Central American countries through
South America to the northeastern portion of Argentina. Chile is the
only South American nation which caimans to not inhabit. |
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| Habitat:
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Estuaries,
swamps, lakes, streams, rivers, floodplains, and the surrounding terrestrial
environment |
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| Population: |
Varies
according to species. |
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| Status:
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Varies
according to species. Listed on CITES appendix I & II |
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| Fun
Facts |
| 1. |
The
black caiman, Melanosuchus niger, is the largest member of
the family Alligatoridae. |
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| 2. |
Cuvier's
dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, is the smallest member
of the order Crocodylia. |
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| 3. |
The
common caiman, Caiman crocodilus, is the most numerous of all
crocodilians. |
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| 4. |
The
common caiman, C. crocodilus, is the most hunted of all crocodilians
- accounting for 60-80% of the skin trade. |
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| 5. |
The
black caiman, M. niger, is unique among crocodilians in that
much of its juvenile coloration - yellowish strips and spots - is
retained well into its adult life. This relatively vibrant coloration
has caused considerable population pressures for the species as their
hide is highly prized in the skin trade. |
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| 6. |
The
skin of Cuvier's dwarf caiman, P. palpebrosus, is heavily ossified
- making them less flexible than other crocodilians. Their rather
extreme dermal armor, however, provides them with considerable protections.
They are so well armored, in fact, that their patchwork of scutes
have even been compared to the hardened shell of certain turtles. |
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| Ecology
and Conservation |
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While
population figures widely vary among caiman species, each of them
are affected to some extent by commecial hunting pressures and habitat
loss. As they are - within their particular ecosytems - apex predators,
they play a key role in maintaining an overall population balance
with regard to the various species upon which they feed.
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| Bibliography |
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Encyclopedia
of Animals. pgs. 662-664; Weldon Owen Pty Limited. 1993.
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Crocodilian
Biology Database @ http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/brittoncrocs/cbd.html |
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Status
Survey and Conservation Action Plan - Crocodiles @ http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/act-plan/plan1998a.htm#Contents |
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| Return
to Expedition
Pantanal 2002 |
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| Return
to Animal Bytes |
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