Caiman » Animal

Our Caiman yacare is a subspecie of the Caiman crocodilus. Caiman is the spanish term for " alligator" or any crocodilian. The yacare caiman is found in southern Brazil and Bolivia, southwards to the Paraquay/Parana River systems and into northern Argentina. Morphologically and ecologically this species is very simular to the common caiman. Found in a variety of habitat types: wetlands, rivers and lakes. Often associated with floating mats of vegetation.

Similar in design to the Caiman crocodilus, reaching lengths of 2.5 to 3 m. The comon name of " Piranha caiman " is derived from its more visible display of teeth, an unusual characteristic whereby certain large teeth in the lower jaw may protude through the top surface of the upper jaw.

Total number of teeth: 74

Caiman Yacare are mound nesters, with egg-laying usually peaking in the middle wet season.Clutch size is typically in the 25-35 range. They are able to breed relatively quickly in comparison with othr species of crocodilians. This has helped to reduce the effects of the hunting pressure.

Sustainable yield programs are in operation in three countries, with the fourth (Paraquay) in the process of setting up such a program. Cropping of wild populations occurs in Bolivia and ranching and farming programs are underway in both Brazil and Argentina.

CITES: appendix II    Estimated wild population 150.000 to 250.000, still widely distributed and often occuring at very high densities during the dry season.

Diet: aquatic invertebrates( particulary snakes) and vertebrates suchs as fish