Caiman latirostris

(Daudin, 1801)

Vernacular names
English : Broad-snouted caiman
French : Caïman à museau large

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Alligatoridae
Notes : 2 subspecies known.

Identification
Medium sized caiman reaching up to 3.5 meters but usually around 2 meters in length. Short head with very wide rounded snout. Back very ossified. Coloration olive-green to olive-brown. Visible ridge running down the snout.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in South-east Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, western Bolivia and North Argentina. Lives in mangroves, marshes and swamps. Slow water habitats with deep cover.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species is locally common but is threatened by habitat destruction, especially by building hydroelectric projects. Illegal hunting is a problem.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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