Caiman is a crocodile that belongs to the alligator family, but is somewhat different from them. Alligators are smaller than crocodiles, with broad and short muzzles, and are lazier and less aggressive. Caimans are a separate genus of the family. They do not have a bony septum on the muzzle, but have a protective ventral carapace.

Types of caimans

Caiman is a crocodile, which means it is a formidable, dangerous animal. Although not as aggressive as other members of the detachment. In total, there are three types of representatives of the genus:

  • crocodile (spectacle);
  • broad-nosed;
  • Yakar.

All of the listed types of caimans are common in South and Central America. Crocodile (spectacled) is divided into two species and four subspecies. All of them are listed in the Red Book as representatives of an endangered animal species.

Crocodile (spectacled) caiman

Crocodile caiman - small, has a narrow long muzzle. Ahead, it narrows even more. The second name - "spectacled" - the caiman received for the bony outgrowths on the head, located around and between the eyes and resembling glasses. Males can reach from 2 to 2.5 meters in length, and females - up to 1.4 m. The weight of a crocodile caiman does not exceed 45 kilograms. Juveniles are yellow in color with black stripes and spots on the body.

Adult crocodiles turn olive green. Thanks to melanophore cells, they can slightly change color. Subspecies of crocodile caimans differ in skull outlines, coloration and size. This type is the most common. It lives in rivers from Peru to Mexico.

broad-nosed caiman

The broad-nosed caiman is a crocodile distinguished by its snout. Its length is from 2 to 3.5 meters. Weight ranges from 35 to 62 kilograms. well tolerated high temperature. The back of the broad-nosed caiman is covered with strong, ossified scales. Color - light green, olive. It lives in the waters of Bolivia, Brazil and northern Argentina. Lives near the Yakar caiman. These species are not at odds with each other.

Yakar caiman

The Yakar (or Paraguayan, piranha) caiman, the photo of which is in this article, was previously a subspecies of the crocodile. But later it was separated into separate view. Outwardly, the Yakar caiman looks like a crocodile. Body length - from 2.5 to 3 meters. Weight ranges from 20 to 25 kilograms in females and up to 55 kg in males. Like all caimans, it has bony shields on the skin. The second name - "piranha" - the crocodile received for the structure of the teeth, when the lower ones go beyond the front upper ones. It lives in northern Argentina, southern Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.

Caimans habitats

So the caiman is a crocodile. Therefore, he loves wetlands where you can hide and find large snags. But each species of caimans prefers a specific habitat. Crocodiles love wet lowlands, live near water bodies. They prefer standing water. The broad-nosed caiman lives in swampy lowlands. Favorite place - mangrove swamps. It can live in both fresh and salt water. Often settles in ponds near human habitation. The Yakar caiman lives in swampy lowlands and swamps. Likes to hide

Caimans food

Caiman is an unpretentious animal and not as aggressive and bloodthirsty as its relatives. He even eats insects. The main food is shellfish, fish, freshwater crabs and amphibians. If the crocodile is large, then it preys on large vertebrates and mammals.

The main diet of the broad-nosed caiman consists of water snails and other small non-vertebrates and vertebrates. Although a large individual can even bite through a turtle shell. The Yakar caiman eats aquatic invertebrates, fish, and occasionally snakes. His favorite "dish" is snails.

reproduction

Caiman is a crocodile from the alligator family. Sexual maturity occurs at a body length of 1.2 to 1.4 m. Dominant males grow much faster. And puberty comes at them sooner. The mating season is the rainy season. Approximately from May to August. Females build nests from rotting plants in thickets. Eggs are placed there. The average laying - 40 pieces.

Due to the decay of plants, a constant temperature is maintained in the nest. The incubation period lasts from 70 to 90 days. The sex of the caimans depends on the temperature in which the eggs were kept. If it is above 32 degrees, females are born. If below - males.

All the cubs of the mother are collected in quiet backwaters, where the babies grow up under their supervision. Moreover, females do not have a division into their own and other people's cubs. They take care of babies up to four months. Then the young begin a separate life.

The value of caimans in the outside world

Caiman is known to be a crocodile. Only small and not so aggressive. Caimans occupy an important place in the ecosystem. If their population is reduced, then the fish population becomes smaller. Thanks to crocodiles, the number of piranhas is regulated. AT recent times increased capture of crocodile caimans. Their skin is poorly processed due to the ventral bony shields, so it is taken only from the sides.

So far, the number of crocodile caimans is not declining. In addition, they are bred on special farms. But, nevertheless, hunting for crocodile caimans is prohibited in Venezuela, Mexico and some other countries.

But the skin of a broad-nosed crocodile is more suitable for dressing. Therefore, its population in the middle of the 20th century fell somewhat. But the inaccessibility of habitats saves the broad-nosed caiman. In Argentina, special crocodile farms have been created. The broad-nosed caiman is bred on them, the photo of which is in this article.

The number of the Yakar caiman does not exceed two hundred thousand individuals. Therefore, in Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil and some other countries, it is included in the protection program. In addition, special farms have been created on which the Yakar caiman is grown.

Caiman lives in Central and South America. These animals belong to the order of reptiles and are a category of armored and armored. Skin tones of caimans can be black, brown, or green.

But caimans change their color depending on the time of year. The size of the caiman averages from one and a half to three meters in length, and weighs from five to fifty kilograms.

The eyes of the caiman are protected by a membrane, which allows it to always be in the water; on average, the caiman has from 68 to 80 teeth. Their weight can range from 5 to 50 kg. Translated from Spanish, "cayman" means "alligator, crocodile."

But crocodile caiman and alligator all are different. What is the difference between a caiman and a crocodile and an alligator? Caiman differs from the crocodile and alligator in the presence of bony plates called osteoderms and are located directly on the abdomen. Also, caimans have a narrow snout and only half of the swimming membranes on their hind legs.

The crocodile has a wrinkle near the snout on the edge of the jaw necessary for the tooth from below, the alligator has grooves for the tooth on the upper jaw and this feature distinguishes it from the alligator and the caiman. Despite the differences, crocodile caiman in the photo little different.

Habitat and lifestyle of the caiman

Cayman inhabits in small lakes, banks of rivers, streams. Although caimans are predatory, they are still afraid of people, they are quite shy, calm and weak, which is why they differ from real ones.

Caimans feed insects, small, when they reach sufficient size, feed on large aquatic invertebrates, reptiles and small mammals. Some types of caimans will be able to bite the shell and. Caimans are slow and clumsy, but move very well in the water.

By nature, caimans are aggressive, but they are often bred on farms and in zoos. a large number of, so they quickly get used to people and behave calmly, although of course they can still bite.

Types of caimans

  • Crocodile or spectacled caiman;
  • brown caiman;
  • broad-faced caiman;
  • Paraguayan caiman;
  • black caiman;
  • pygmy caiman.

The crocodile caiman is also called the spectacled caiman. This species has the appearance of a crocodile with a long narrow muzzle, called spectacled due to the outgrowths of bone formations near the eyes similar to the details of glasses.

Pictured is a black caiman

The largest males are three meters long. They hunt preferably during the doge season, during the dry season there is little food, so cannibalism is inherent in caimans at this time. They can even live in salty waters. Also, if the conditions in the environment become especially harsh, they burrow into the silt and hibernate.

Color skin has the property of a chameleon and plays from light brown to dark olive. There are dark brown stripes. They can make sounds ranging from hissing to a croaking sound.

Like most caimans, it lives in swamps and lakes, in places with floating vegetation. Since these caimans are tolerant of brackish water this allowed them to settle on the nearby islands of America. Brown caiman. This species is very similar to its relatives, reaching a length of up to two meters and is listed in the Red Book.

Broad-faced caiman. The very name of this caiman speaks for itself, this caiman has such a wide muzzle, which is wider even than some types of alligators, they reach a maximum of two meters. The body color is mostly olive green with dark spots.

This caiman lives mainly in the water, and prefers fresh water, it is mostly motionless and only eyes are on the surface of the water. Likes a nocturnal lifestyle can live near people.

They eat the same food as the rest of the caimans and can also bite through the shell of turtles and therefore they are also present in its diet. The food is mostly swallowed whole except naturally for turtles. Since its skin is suitable for processing, this species is a tempting prey for poachers and therefore this species is propagated on farms.

Paraguayan caiman. It is also very similar to the crocodile caiman. They can also reach three meters in size and are the same in color as crocodile caimans, they differ in that the lower jaw protrudes above the upper one, and also in the presence of protruding sharp teeth, and for this this caiman was called "piranha caiman". This type of caiman is also listed in the Red Book.

Dwarf caiman. The smallest species of caimans, the largest individuals reach a length of only one hundred and fifty centimeters. Prefer fresh water and nocturnal, very mobile, during the day they sit in burrows near the water. They feed on the same food as other types of caimans.

Reproduction and life span of the caiman

The breeding season mainly lasts during the rainy season. Females build nests and lay eggs, their number varies depending on the species and is on average 18-50 eggs.

An interesting fact is that in broad-faced caimans, the male, like the female, is involved in the process of creating a place for laying eggs. The eggs are laid in two rows different temperatures, because at more warm temperature the male hatches when the female is colder.

The average duration of incubation is seventy days. All this time, the female guards her nests, and females can also unite to protect their future offspring, but still, on average, eighty percent of the clutch is ruined by lizards.

The female, after the expiration of the term, helps the caimans to survive, but, even despite all the caution, few survive. Opinions always differ on life expectancy, since caimans initially look like old ones. But it is generally accepted that on average caimans live up to thirty years.

Crocodile caiman and the alligator is an ancient carnivore that possess great physical strength, they are very necessary for the planet, because they are orderlies of the places where they live.

But at present, poachers are hunting for the skin of these, and due to the destruction of many of the habitats of these animals by man himself, the population of these animals has significantly decreased, some are already listed in the Red Book. Many farms have been created where these reptiles artificially breed.

Caymans ( Caiman) - common name 3 genera of reptiles (Caiman, Melanosuchus and Paleosuchus) of the alligator family. They differ from alligators proper by the absence of a bony septum in the olfactory cavity and the presence of a bony abdominal shell.

Caiman crocodilus (Crocodile caiman)
Caiman yacare (Yakar caiman)
Caiman latirostros (Broad-nosed caiman)

Translated from Spanish, "cayman" means "alligator, crocodile." All three species are distributed in the Central and South America.

In the past, these amazing animals had powerful religious significance. In some ancient Egyptian cults, dating back to 1800 BC, crocodiles were thought to be relatives of a crocodile-headed god named "Sebek" and were an object of worship. On the islands of the Indo-Pacific region, the relationship between man and crocodile was more tragic and bloody. On the island of Timor, a virgin girl was sacrificed to the crocodiles every year. In our time, in modern society, sacrifices like this are no longer made and the cult of the crocodile has lost its significance. There were similar cults in many cultures, which gave crocodiles the bad reputation they still have today.

Range: The spectacled caiman is distributed in Central and South America, from Chiapas in the north to the mouth of the Parana in the south. The species is registered in following countries: Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guyana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Tobago, Trinidad, United States, Venezuela subspecies.

The crocodile caiman has a typical crocodile appearance with a relatively long muzzle tapering forward. In appearance, due to the special structure of the skin and outgrowths on the head, the caiman most closely resembles a prehistoric monster. The bony outgrowths located on the head between the eyes and around them resemble glasses, hence the first name of the caiman: spectacled. Like other members of their family, caimans have a transparent membrane that protects their eyes when diving if they are open underwater.

In adult wasps, to accommodate large - the first and fourth - teeth of the lower jaw (in the premaxillary bone in front of the nostrils and in the area of ​​​​the seam between the premaxillary and maxillary bones), through holes are formed. Often, on one or both sides of the skull, the outer wall collapses, forming not pits, but cuts in the edges of the upper jaw to accommodate the fourth teeth of the lower. This gives the skull an appearance common to the skulls of real crocodiles, which led to another specific name for the species: crocodile. In total, caimans have from 72 to 78 teeth.

Color: The general tone of the body varies from light brown to chestnut, against which there are from 4 to 5 dark brown transverse stripes on the body and from 7 to 8 on the tail. Well distinguished in many caimans are large, dark brown spots on both sides of the lower jaw. Eye color is buff to light brown.

Younger caimans are camouflage (protective) yellowish green with black spots along the belly and base of the tail, gradually changing to a dull olive green.

Caiman, like a chameleon, has an amazing ability to change the color of the body, especially if it becomes cold. In this case, the black cells of the pigment expand, as a result of which the body of the caiman darkens significantly, acquiring a dark olive-brown color.

In length, the animals reach 2.4-2.7 m, but as a rule, most individuals do not exceed 200 cm. In general, male caimans are one third larger than females and, in addition, differ from them in a slightly wider head and tail.

Voice: Small caimans make a short, creaking croaking sound ("kraaaa") when displeased or threatened. Older animals make a long hissing sound in a hoarse voice, which can be roughly translated as one stretched "sh". In most cases, they repeatedly repeat this hissing, after which the small mouth remains wide open for some time, and only then closes very slowly.

Adult animals regularly, really very loudly, “bark”.

Habitat: This species of caiman is common throughout its range, where it inhabits tropical and subtropical waters, especially heavily overgrown with vegetation. They prefer quiet shores and are more common in swamps and small rivers. They also feel comfortable in lakes, ponds, meeting also even in brackish water.

Caimans prefer to rest and hide among floating vegetation. Therefore, it is not for nothing that floating islands, formed from water hyacinths (Eichhornia) and other plants, sometimes reaching significant sizes (over 900 m2) and often carried downstream by rivers, play an important role in the distribution of these animals. These floating islands ("mats") provide shelter for young caimans and can carry them over long distances and into the open sea. They are tolerant of brackish water, which allowed them to settle from the continent of America to some islands close to the mainland: Trinidad, the small islands of Gorgon and Gorgonilla off the western coast of Colombia. Crocodile caimans were sometimes even found in the sea near the coast.

Enemies: The main threat to the caiman is habitat destruction and poaching. The eggs are often eaten by lizards such as Tupinambis spp., which often destroy the nest completely and often damage up to a quarter of all nests.

In nature, caimans feed on almost any living organism that is available in a given area and for a given age of the caiman.

Juveniles feed mainly on aquatic insects. As they grow, the percentage of invertebrates in the diet decreases, and is enriched with crustaceans (crayfish and crabs), molluscs, fish, amphibians and other living creatures. In some regions, Aga toads become their prey in large numbers. Some researchers argue that the crocodile caiman regulates the number of piranhas to a certain extent.

Adult animals attack any prey they can handle. Although the basis of the diet is fish and small semiaquatic vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds), they are able to get quite large mammals, such as capybara and wild peccary pig.

Crocodiles stop feeding during the dry season. Among individuals of this species, cases of cannibalism were observed.

Little captives eat crickets, flour beetle larvae, goldfish. When they become large, their diet is enriched with chicks, squid, fresh cut or whole trout. Live or fresh fish should only make up a small part of their diet. It is prudent to fortify the food with additional calcium (broken animal bones) which prevents metabolic disorders and avoids the development of bone diseases due to chronic calcium deficiency, which is common among crocodiles.

All types of caiman are aggressive and angry from early childhood. However, crocodile caimans, kept in captivity from the first day after birth, gradually get used to the people caring for them and treat them with confidence. At the same time, it is important to feed the caimans regularly - twice a week, so as not to bring predators to a hungry frenzy and not endanger themselves. Therefore, the spectacled caiman is considered one of the best objects (of all crocodiles) for keeping in captivity and especially for beginner terrarium keepers.

In nature, the aggressiveness of the crocodile caiman is most pronounced during the dry season, when animals starve for a long time due to the lack of sufficient food. Caimans, holding a forced post, at the first opportunity become cannibals, tearing apart weaker comrades. It is during this period that a careless person can become their prey.

Social structure: There is a certain social hierarchy among caimans in nature. Adult males take certain territory and fight with males that have violated the boundaries of individual sites. Weaker and younger caimans may partially use the territory of dominant individuals. At the same time, the social status of a particular individual affects the growth of the animal, and, consequently, its readiness for reproduction. Therefore, a non-dominant, subordinate animal has a lower chance of breeding.

Reproduction: During the wet season, caiman females build nests near water among thickets of coastal vegetation, less often they dig a shallow hole in sandy coastal soil, where they build a nest. Nests are usually built in shelters or on floating "rafts" of hyacinth from algae and rotting plant debris. One female can build several nests, which helps to increase the percentage of survival of the cubs. Often, females can use "communal" (common) nests for laying eggs, carefully protecting them from predators by joint efforts. The clutch usually contains 15-40 eggs, with an average of 25.

Season/Breeding Period: Caimans breed throughout the year, but are predominantly associated with the rainy season. In Colombia, breeding is especially intensive from January to March. In other areas, courtship and mating occur between May and July, rarely until August.

Puberty: Animals reach sexual maturity at about 5 years of age. Females become sexually mature at a body length of 120-150 cm (age between 4-7 years), males - at 140-160 cm of body length (4-7 years).

The incubation period is on average from 75-80 to 85-90 days, depending on the specific conditions of the area.

Offspring: During the incubation period, the nest with eggs is guarded and vigorously defended by the female. Crocodile caiman eggs are hunted by many predators, especially lizards, which can destroy up to 80% of all nests. Shortly before hatching, the female opens the nest with eggs and helps the young at birth. The young have a yellowish to brownish body coloration, which is interrupted by dark, almost black, transverse stripes. 6 on the body and 7 on the tail. In cubs, the end of the muzzles resembles, like in young alligators, a duck's beak. And in fact, up to a body length of about 80 cm, when looking for food, cubs use their “beak” just like ducks, when they feed mainly on insects, mollusks and crustaceans, less often on small ribs.


The cubs remain with their mother, who protects them: in case of danger, they emit squeaking alarm signals, then the females immediately try to drive away the predators. One female can gather around her cubs from several nests from different parents. At this time, a hierarchy is established between teenagers. Despite the best efforts of the females, many of the young caimans will still fall prey to numerous predators.

Caimans (like some other reptiles) are characterized by temperature-dependent sex determination, that is, unlike most other animals, the sex of small crocodiles depends on the temperature in the nest during the period of incubation of eggs. A warm nest will produce more males, while a cold nest will skew the sex ratio towards female dominance.

This species does not attract the attention of skin hunters, because. the skin of the crocodile caiman is not suitable for tanning. However, the caiman is quite popular as a captive target among crocodile enthusiasts. The crocodile caiman is perhaps the most traded of all crocodilians.

Caimans, as top predators, play a central role in the balance of certain ecosystems. In particular, caimans serve as a kind of pipeline for transporting nitrogen through the ecosystem, fertilizing water pools (nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth.)

Population/conservation status:

Caimans are now a thriving species with a population of 100,000. Since caiman skin is not suitable for tanning, caimans have benefited from hunting other crocodiles in previous decades by getting rid of competitors and occupying their habitats. Caimans are now heavily hunted, but they seem to be surviving well, perhaps because the majority of the population is small, and hunters focus primarily on large males. Therefore, despite the hunt local residents, the crocodile caiman population is out of danger.

The species is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Convention and in the IUCN Red List under the category: LRlc (LOW RISK, LEAST CONCERN), as some subspecies need protection.

Subspecies of the crocodile caiman:

Caiman crocodilus crocodilus, the main subspecies of the caiman, it lives from northern to northeastern South America (Venezuela, Guiana, and the lower Amazon)

Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis, Rio Apaporis, it lives in the northwest of South America (Colombia)

Caiman crocodilus fuscus, northern crocodile caiman, it lives in Mexico and Central America

Caiman crocodilus matogrossiensis, Mato Grosso crocodile caiman - southern Brazil

Caiman crocodilus paraguayensis, the Grand Chaco crocodile caiman, it lives in Paraguay (west of Rio Verde, Rio Negro, Rio Confuso and Rio Pilcomayo)

Caiman crocodilus yacare, southern crocodile caiman, it comes from the middle part of South America (from southern Bolivia and southern Brazil south to the mouth of the Rio Parana)

Currently, this subspecies is often distinguished as a separate independent species of Caiman yacare.

Subspecies Caiman crocodilus apaporiensis (Apaporian caiman)- lives in the southeast of Colombia within 200 km along the upper reaches of the Apoporis River. Other populations are known outside of Colombia that do not belong to this subspecies and should be considered a form of C. c. crocodilus with a thin snout.

The Apaporis caiman is listed in Appendix I of the CITES Convention and in the IUCN Red Book under the category: NA (NOT ASSESSED). The exact population size is unknown, approximately about 1000 animals. It is a little-studied subspecies that exists within a small range.

Outwardly, the caiman differs from other subspecies of C. crocodilus - its muzzle is noticeably narrower, the color is brighter. In all other respects it is similar to other caimans. Has 84-86 teeth. It feeds on aquatic invertebrates and fish. Judging by the shape of the muzzle, the basis of the diet of this caiman is fish.

The Apoporis caiman can interbreed with C. crocodilus caimans of other subspecies, which violates the purity of the genetic lineage of this subspecies. These caimans do not breed in captivity.

Subspecies Caiman crocodilus fuscus (Brown caiman)- found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, southern Mexico, Venezuela. Within this subspecies, a Mexican and Central American race called C. c. chiapasius. Introduced in Cuba and Puerto Rico. Common throughout its distribution range, both in freshwater and salt water, the population size is 100,000. It is included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention and in the IUCN Red Book under the category: LRlc (LOW RISK, LEAST CONCERN).

The average size of a brown caiman is 1-2 m. It looks similar to other caimans, from which it differs in a darker olive-brown color. In the south of the range, the color is greenish-olive, more similar to the nominate race.

The brown caiman feeds on aquatic invertebrates (mostly snails, crustaceans) and fish. Breeds all year round. The female arranges a nest of aquatic plants, in which she lays 15-30 eggs. Incubation lasts 75 - 80 days.

This subspecies of caimans is not well understood. Only a small percentage of young caimans are known to survive within Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. The reason is the degradation of habitual habitats, illegal trade and hunting. In Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela, the situation is more prosperous - here caimans are a protected species, and in Colombia and Panama - thanks to tight control over hunting.

Caiman yacare (Yakar caiman)- (other names: Paraguayan caiman, red caiman, piranha caiman, southern spectacled caiman). "Yakar" is the local name for the alligator. Until recently it was considered a subspecies of Caiman crocodilus. Currently separated into a separate species.

The Yakar caiman lives in northern Argentina, southern Brazil and Paraguay. Inhabits swamps and swampy lowlands, often hiding among floating islands of greenery. Among all relatives, the range of the Yakar caiman goes further south than others.

The Yakar caiman is a protected species, listed in Appendix II of the CITES convention, included in the IUCN Red Book under the LRlc category (LOW RISK, LEAST CONCERN). The estimated population is between 100,000 and 200,000. Illegal hunting in the 1970s and 80s. significantly reduced the population compared to that traditionally inhabiting this area, however, it remains in a satisfactory condition even during the drought period.

The Yacar caiman is similar in appearance to Caiman crocodilus, reaching a body length of 2.5 to 3 m. Like other caimans, it has osteoderms - bony shields on the skin. Fragments of skin the smallest number osteoderm is used in industry. The name "piranha caiman" this species received from the characteristic structure of the teeth, in which individual long teeth of the lower jaw can extend beyond the upper jaw.

The Yakar caiman feeds on aquatic invertebrates (especially snails) and vertebrates - fish, rarely - snakes. During the breeding season, caimans build nests in which the female lays 21-38 eggs. It occurs in the middle of the rainy season. Females defend the nest during the entire incubation period. In areas where caimans are actively hunted, females leave nests as soon as they lay their eggs. The young hatch in March. Like Caiman crocodilus, C. yacare is able to reproduce at a relatively fast rate compared to other crocodilians, an ability that helps maintain population numbers.

There are joint programs for the conservation of the caiman in Bolivia, Brazil and Argentina with the involvement of Paraguay. In Bolivia, breeding of caimans living in natural conditions, and there are crocodile farms in Brazil and Argentina. All this, combined with active educational work and environmental programs to preserve the habitats of caimans, should contribute to the stabilization of their populations.

Caiman latirostros (Broad-nosed caiman)- found in bodies of water Atlantic coast in the north of Argentina, in Bolivia, on the small islands of the southeast of Brazil, in Paraguay and Uruguay. The distribution range of the broad-nosed caiman overlaps that of the Yakar caiman Caiman yacare, but these subspecies do not come into conflict because they prefer different habitats.

The broad-nosed caiman lives in mangrove swamps, swampy lowlands with fresh water leads a strictly aquatic lifestyle. It prefers to settle in slowly flowing waters in the middle of dense forests, but may also occupy other water bodies, provided that there is no C. yacare. Caiman successfully exists near human habitation, in particular on ponds where livestock are watered. Both subspecies are able to tolerate low temperatures and are found at altitudes up to 600 m above sea level. Individuals that live in harsh conditions have a dark color that can better absorb the sun's rays.

The broad-nosed caiman is a medium-sized crocodile whose body length is up to 3.5 m, although on average males do not exceed two meters in length. Females also do not exceed 2 m, usually they are even smaller. The muzzle is broad, even wider than that of Alligator mississippiensis. Along the entire muzzle there is a bony shield characteristic of this subspecies, the surface of the back is covered with strong ossified scales. In adult caimans, the color is olive-green, light, according to some observations, individual spots are visible on the jaws (as in Caiman yacare, they do not merge).

The broad-nosed caiman feeds primarily on water snails, but other invertebrates and small vertebrates (fish and amphibians) supplement the diet. Larger individuals prey on big booty, their jaws can bite through turtle shells. Where C. latirostris lives, deworming of livestock is reduced.

In spite of great content keratinized scales, the skin of the caiman is suitable for dressing, which makes it attractive for prey. Poaching has contributed to the decline in populations. Another problem is the degradation of habitual habitats - pollution and deforestation as a result of the construction of hydroelectric power plants and the expansion of agricultural plantations. In Argentina, there are programs to breed broad-faced caimans on crocodile farms.

The broad-nosed caiman is a protected species. Listed on CITES Appendix I (Excluding Argentina, where it is listed on Appendix II). Listed in the IUCN Red List under category: LRlc (LOW RISK, LEAST CONCERN). The population has between 250,000 and 500,000 individuals and is considered stable.

Some researchers propose to isolate the subspecies Caiman latirostris chacoensis, which lives in Argentina. Argentine caiman smaller size(large males reach a length of no more than 2 m). This proposal has not yet been officially approved.

And where does he live now The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy is made -

One of the most common alligator species, the crocodile caiman has conservation status LC (Least concern - being under the least threat of extinction) and is included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention. This means that at the moment there is no clear threat of extinction of the species, but the trade in these reptiles must be strictly regulated by each country in whose territory the species range extends.

Unlike other relatives, the crocodile caiman has natural feature, which allowed the species to protect itself from mass extermination - these are the anatomical features of the structure of the skin of Caiman crocodilus. It is very difficult to make it, since almost the entire skin of this crocodile is covered with dense rows of large scutes, and the abdominal region is covered with keratinized osteoderms. Such "armor" protects the crocodile caiman from large predators.

The size of the crocodile caiman reaches a maximum of 2.5 m, with averages for males in the range of 1.8-2.2 m, and for females: 1.4-1.5 m. The weight of males is approximately 2 times higher than the weight of females and is about 40 kg. At the same time, the muzzle and tail of the female are slightly wider than those of males.

Due to the appearance of the crocodile caiman, a large number of unofficial names of the species in its habitats have appeared. So the species Caiman crocodilus is often called Caiman ordinary, while the word "caiman" in Spanish means alligator. However, on Spanish, any representative of the order of crocodiles is called a caiman. It is assumed that the species received such a name due to the fact that its wide and U shape the muzzle, typical of alligators, is slightly narrowed, and in this way it resembles real crocodiles.

The second no less popular naming of the species is the Spectacled Caiman. This name was given to the species due to the infra-orbital (located between the eyes) bone growths, which are shaped like glasses. In addition, a triangular ridge is visible on the upper part of the eye of the crocodile caiman.


The color of a young crocodile caiman differs from the color of an adult sexually mature individual. As they mature, the relatively conspicuous yellow-green color with dark, pronounced spots is replaced by a more monotonous color of olive-green hues. In addition, the spectacled caiman is one of the few reptiles that can change color depending on the conditions. environment due to pigment cells melonophores. The color does not change much, but we can say that in this way individuals are disguised, and this helps them a lot during the hunt.

The lifespan of crocodile caimans in captivity is not known. According to scientists, it can be about 30-40 years. In captivity, the longest period of life of an individual was 24 years.


Origin and habitats in nature

Caiman crocodilus is classified by taxonomists into the genus Caiman of the alligator family (Alligatoridae). In addition, the species itself is divided into 4 subspecies based on differences in color scheme, size and shape of the skull: C. crocodilus crocodilus, C. crocodilus chiapasius, C. crocodilus fuscus, C. crocodilus apaporensis. Despite the fact that subspecies began to be distinguished back in the 19th century, scientists still argue about their reliability, and therefore the given taxonomy by subspecies is not well-established.


The habitat of crocodile caimans extends from Mexico in the north to Peru and Brazil in the south. The subspecies C. crocodilus crocodilus lives in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, and also in the northeast of Bolivia. C. crocodilus fuscus inhabits the territory Central America, in Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, and was also introduced into the territory of Cuba, Puerto Rico and Florida (USA).

In addition, individuals of the species live in Costa Rica, El Salvador, as well as Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname. Thanks to the ability to adapt to slightly salty water, unique for the alligator family, the species has also spread to the islands of the Caribbean, for example, Trinidad and Tobago.

The main biotope of the species is freshwater, densely overgrown with vegetation, deep backwaters of reservoirs, estuaries and swamps. Often, floating islands of algae such as Eichhornia become the habitat of individuals, which not only serve as shelter for spectacled caimans, but also carry them over long distances.


Lifestyle

In captivity, crocodile caimans are territorial animals that live alone and gather in pairs, and sometimes in groups only during the mating season. There are also cases of cannibalism, and therefore in captivity, keeping more than one animal of this species in a terrarium is a big risk.

In the hot time of the day, spectacled caimans prefer to hide among the thickets, in the early morning they can go out to bask in the rays. rising sun. But crocodile caimans hunt mainly at night and at dusk. These are very well adapted to spearfishing predators. Their prey is mainly fish, insects, molluscs, amphibians, amphibian reptiles, as well as rodents and mammals. In a word, these alligators are not too picky about food. Particularly noted is the role of crocodile caimans in maintaining biological balance due to the fact that they feed on piranhas, thus regulating their numbers.


In dry and hot times, crocodile caimans hibernate (estivation), burrowing into the silt. During hibernation, all the functions of the reptile's body slow down.

Terrarium: When choosing a crocodile caiman as a pet, you must first think about a sufficiently large and capacious terrarium for this reptile. Caimans grow pretty fast, and even if you get a small caiman, that doesn't mean it won't grow. more sizes terrarium. Currently, only one country has thought about how to strictly regulate the size of the terrarium for keeping caimans, this is Germany.

According to this regulation, for a comfortable life of a crocodile caiman in captivity, the terrarium must be divided into 2 zones: land and water. At the same time, the width of the land in the terrarium for a caiman should be 3 times greater than the total length of the reptile from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail (SVL), and the length should be 4 times greater than the SVL. At the same time, the width of the pool should be 4 times the SVL of the reptile, the length should be 5 times, and the minimum depth of the pool should be 0.3 SVL. Thus, in accordance with these rules, for a 1 meter caiman, a terrarium of about 32 m2 would be required. For each additional reptile, the size of the land should increase by 10% and the size of the pool by 20%.

These regulations are not approved in all countries, and therefore at the moment it is more of a recommendation than a rule. However, it is safe to say that in the case of caimans, the size of the terrarium has great importance in the literal and figurative sense of this expression.

In addition to size, you need to take care of the reliability of the terrarium for the crocodile caiman, since these animals are able to climb walls, and adult caimans are strong enough to destroy an unreliable structure. It is important to remember that if a crocodile caiman has an opportunity to escape, he will definitely try to take advantage of it.


Content temperature: comfortable body temperature for a crocodile caiman during the day ranges from 29 to 34 ° C. It is at this temperature that the alligator is able to digest food well. Since this is a cold-blooded reptile, the air temperature when keeping a crocodile caiman should also be within the above range. Moreover, the temperature gradient in the terrarium is necessary for successful thermoregulation. To comply with daily rhythms, the night temperature should drop to 20°C. In this case, the water temperature should be constant and be about 27 ° C.

Lighting: daily rhythms must be observed when keeping crocodile caimans in captivity. Light day should be 11-13 hours a day, depending on the season. As daylight, both conventional fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps can be used, as well as sunlight if the length of daylight hours is normal. At night, to create the most favorable conditions for the crocodile caiman, it is recommended to create an imitation of moonlight, since this species of reptile is active at night. Full spectrum lamps (UVB, UVA) should preferably be switched on during the day. Despite the fact that at this time the caiman is not active, it must still produce vitamin D, and without special lamps in the terrarium this is impossible.

Decor: Gravel, stones and small parts of rocks can be used as decoration in a terrarium with a crocodile caiman. It is important that all design elements are securely fastened and not located at the heating point, as stones can heat up more than air, which can cause burns to the reptile. Additional decoration in the form of plants and other aesthetic decorations is not required, as it will be difficult to care for them, and they will not live long in a terrarium with a caiman.

Feeding in captivity

Due to the fact that crocodile caimans in nature eat a large amount of different foods, then in captivity it is necessary to observe a balanced diet for them. This rule should not be neglected, since the preponderance of the caiman's diet in favor of one or another type of prey can cause certain problems. So, for example, if the caiman is often fed fish, this can lead to a lack of vitamin E, which causes serious health problems for the alligator. Therefore, it is important that the diet of the crocodile caiman is fish, insects, rodents, and it can also be frogs, butchered chicken, pork and beef. Moreover, a young caiman should be fed prey with less hard chitin and smaller bones, while an adult can even be offered pieces of beef along with not too large bones.

Generally prey bones are good source calcium, and meat is a good source of protein - which is why it is important to offer whole prey to the reptile if possible and the prey is of a size that the reptile can handle.
If at least part of the crocodile caiman's diet is thawed fish and butchered meat, then it is imperative to include special vitamin and mineral complex supplements.

It is enough to feed an adult 2-3 times a week, while young animals need to be fed every 2 days or 3-4 times a week.

Crocodile caimans, as a rule, do not refuse food. They may not eat in the presence of the owner or eat food at night, but if the caiman does not eat at all, then either this is a pregnant female that limits the amount of food, since there is simply no room left for food in it, or this signals health problems alligator.


Breeding

Crocodile caimans become sexually mature at the age of about 4-6 years. However, until the female has reached 120 cm, and the male is 140 cm in length, it is believed that the individual has not reached puberty, and therefore this age is very arbitrary.

In nature mating season falls on the rainy season, this is May-August, depending on the habitat. The females lay their eggs between July and November. Before laying eggs, the female prepares a nest on the ground from clay, sand and vegetation, which decomposes during incubation, maintaining the temperature necessary for incubation in the nest. The diameter of the nest can reach two meters, while the height is about a meter.

One clutch may consist of 10-30 eggs. Incubation lasts from 64 to 100 days. During this period, the female, and sometimes the male, sometimes approach the clutch. Tegu lizards often eat crocodile caiman eggs. Those females who manage to save the clutch help the young to hatch and take them to the water. Adult females and males take care of the young for about a year and a half.