Broad-snouted caiman images (Caiman latirostris) - stock photos showing this crocodilian from South America
Conservation status | Least Concern
Scientific classification edit > Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Reptilia > Order: Crocodilia > Family: Alligatoridae > Genus: Caiman > Species: C. latirostris
Binomial name > Caiman latirostris
The broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris, is an olive green crocodilian...
more »Broad-snouted caiman images (Caiman latirostris) - stock photos showing this crocodilian from South America
Conservation status | Least Concern
Scientific classification edit > Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Reptilia > Order: Crocodilia > Family: Alligatoridae > Genus: Caiman > Species: C. latirostris
Binomial name > Caiman latirostris
The broad-snouted caiman, Caiman latirostris, is an olive green crocodilian reptile of central and eastern South America. In the family Alligatoridae, and the Order Crocodilia, it shares the general appearance of crocodiles, but it is of medium size, and it has the broad snout of an alligator. It ranges from southeastern Brazil to Uruguay, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. It is not considered endangered at this time, except in Bolivia, where it is severely depleted.
Broad-snouted caimans may grow to as long as 11.5 feet but are seldom found in the wild at longer than 6.5 feet. It primarily inhabits the Paran and Sao Francisco River basin systems in southeastern South America. It shares its range with the Yacare Caiman, Caiman yacare, though the two species tend to prefer slightly different habitats. The broad-snouted caiman has been found more frequently in human-made habitats, such as stock ponds and irrigation ditches. It has also been found in coastal mangroves and at elevations as high as 1950 feet. It feeds on snails, freshwater crabs, fish, amphibians, and turtles, the shells of which its jaws are perfectly adapted to crushing.
Broad-snouted caimans lay from 20 to 60 eggs in nests they build on river islands. The position of the eggs in the nest affects their temperature, which in turn affects development into either males or females. Babies hatch after 70 days, and then the mother guards and assists hatchlings for an unknown period of time.
The skin of the broad-snouted caiman is well-suited for tanning, making it valuable and desirable for hunters. However, this species is now being farmed, which has brought the price down, reducing the attraction for poaching. Depleted areas are now being stocked with farmed caimans. As with many South American species, habitat destruction and pollution are continuing threats. The IUCN Red List reports the broad-snouted caiman's conservation status as Least Concern, as there are healthy populations in a broad range and management programs are showing good results.
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