Municipality of Tourist Interest
Animals of the Brazilian Fauna
Yellow-throated caiman
Nome Científico
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Nome Científico
Caiman latirostris
Características
The broad-snouted caiman is a medium-sized reptile, reaching up to 3 meters in length. Its coloration is dark green with black spots, and it has a yellowish throat, which gives it its name. It has a broad, flattened snout, characteristic of caimans.
Ocorrência
This alligator is found in regions of South America, especially in Brazil, in habitats such as swamps, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, including the Atlantic Forest, the Pantanal, and the Cerrado.
Comportamento
They are semi-aquatic animals, spending most of their time in bodies of water, but they also venture onto land. They are opportunistic predators and have nocturnal habits. They tend to be solitary, except during the mating season.
Alimentação
The diet varies according to size and age, including fish, birds, small mammals, amphibians, and occasionally fruit. Young animals feed mainly on insects and small invertebrates.
Reprodução
The breeding season occurs during the rainy season. Females build nests of vegetation and earth, where they lay between 25 and 35 eggs. Incubation lasts from 65 to 90 days, and the mothers protect the nests from predators.
Preservação
The broad-snouted caiman was once threatened by hunting and habitat destruction, but is currently classified as a species of least concern. Hunting is prohibited, and conservation programs monitor its populations.
Curiosidades
Its name, "yellow throat," comes from the yellowish coloration of the area below the jaw, which is more pronounced in adult males.
They can remain submerged for up to two hours, reducing their heart rate to conserve oxygen.