These crocodiles enjoy freshwater riparian areas around the Amazon basin’s rivers, lakes, and ponds. The dwarf caiman is currently protected from human exploitation because its skin is too bony to create decent leather, in contrast to other crocodiles whose skin is hunted for its hide. This may be the reason for its conservation classification as a species of Least Concern.
The temperature of the caiman eggs influences whether the newborn will be a boy or a girl, just like in the case of many other reptiles. Cuvier’s dwarf caimans are nocturnal hunters, looking for food at night in surrounding river beds and forested areas. This species has a 25-year average life span.
Distribution
Bolivia
Brazil
Colombia
Ecuador
French Guiana
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Trinidad & Tobago
VenezuelaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
