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They are widespread
throughout Central and South America and appear adept at surviving in a great range of different habitats. They are particularly
abundant within some South American countries.
In the Venezuelan Llanos alone, for example, where they have been protected, the population is estimated at some 3 to 4 million
individuals. Four subspecies of Caiman crocodilus are recognised (G. c. Crocodilus, C c. Yacare, C. c. Apaporiensis and C. c.
Fuscus Caiman) but distinguishing them from each other is by no means easy.
Spectacled Caimans are small crocodilians, seldom exceeding 3 m in length. They prefer lakes, ponds, marshes and the
meandering tributaries of rivers where the current is not fast. In areas where other crocodilian species (e.g. Melanosuchus
niger and Crocodylus intermedius) have been removed or reduced in numbers, Caiman crocodilus has established itself.
Populations now exist in some wetlands in Florida, US.
During the dry season, Spectacled Caimans can congregate in large numbers in small pools. At such times, large caimans may
prey on small ones. At the end of the dry season, in smaller, shallow pools, they can sometimes be found buried in the mud. As
with the Australian Freshwater Crocodile, little feeding occurs during the dry season - this is a wet season activity.
Caimans less
than 1 m in length, feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrate prey, mainly crustaceans and insects. Adults also take snails and
crustaceans, but larger prey such as deer and pigs may also be included in the diet.
Caiman crocodilus reaches maturity in a short time (4 years of age in some areas) and the females lay an average of 30 eggs in
a mound nest. Females remain near their nests throughout incubation, but their role in preventing predation on the eggs is unclear -
predation rates are greater than 80 per cent in some areas. Large tegu lizards are significant predators on the eggs.
Most hatching occurs in November and females remain with their 'pod' of hatchlings for at least the first few weeks of life.
However, if water levels recede greatly, females can abandon their young and set about finding deeper water to ensure their own
survival.
It is estimated that 1 to 2 million caiman skins a year are being exported from South-America, and most of these are of Caiman
crocodilus. Numbers in some countries have been greatly reduced, but if the hunting pressure is
relieved, (thanks to the growing farms) they are a species that can bounce back remarkably well.
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Bibliography: Webb, G.J.W and Manolis
Crocodiles of Autralia | |
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