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The Spectacled caiman
is found in Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana,
Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Surinam, Tobago,
Trinidad, and Venezuela. It has been introduced into Puerto Rico, Cuba, and the
United States. |
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| Spectacled Caiman
Distribution |
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The Spectacled caiman
is a very adaptable species found in all lowland wetland and riverine habitat
within its range. It can be found most often in the still water areas of these
habitats. This caiman has the widest distribution of any species in the
Alligatorinae family. |
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If environmental
conditions become too harsh, the Spectacled Caiman will burrow into mud and
estivate (estivate is to summer what hibernate is to winter)! |
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The Spectacled caiman
is a small to medium sized crocodilian (males reach 8 to 9 feet). Juveniles are
yellow with black spots and bands on the body and tail. As they mature, they
lose this yellow color and the markings become less distinct. Adults are dull
olive-green. This species has a limited ability to change color.
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The Spectacled caiman
gets its name from the bony ridge between the front of the eyes, which appears
to join the eyes like a pair of spectacles! |
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Juveniles eat a
variety of aquatic invertebrates, including: insects, crustaceans, and
molluscs. As they grow, various vertebrates take up a greater percentage of the
Spectacled caiman's diet. These include fish, amphibians, reptiles and water
birds. Older animals are capable of taking larger, mammalian prey such as wild
pigs. |
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Females become
sexually mature after only four years. Social status affects growth rate and
hence readiness for breeding. Less dominant animals grow less quickly due to
stress, and often do not get the chance to breed! |
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Mating takes place
near the end of the dry season and the eggs (from 14 to 40) are laid during the
rainy season. Nests are constructed from soil and vegetation and usually
located under cover. However, some are situated in more open areas or on
floating mats of vegetation. Nests may be shared by females, a strategy which
may help to increase the survival of juveniles. |
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The Females remain close to nests during incubation in an
attempt to discourage predators. Nest predators include large,
monitor-like Tupinambis lizards, which can destroy up to 80% of Spectacled
caiman nests in any given area. |
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The eggs hatch in
about 90 days. The hatching is timed so there is an abundance of invertebrate
food when the young emerge. In the period following hatching, juveniles will
remain in groups, close to the females. During this time, social hierarchies
are established. |
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Due to the reduction
in number of larger crocodilian species in the first part of this century, the
Caiman expanded its range into areas formerly occupied by larger species.
Following the 1950's, the number of caiman removed from the wild for the pet
trade and for leather goods rose dramatically and continues to do so. This
trend is disturbing as it mimics the trend which has led to the endangerment of
other members of the crocodilia family, such as the Nile
Crocodile. |
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Due to the scattering
and fragmentation of the caiman's habitats the status of this reptile is
difficult to determine. |
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