Caiman is the genus of the reptilian family of Alligators from the Crocodiles.
Caimans are common in Central and South America.
In translation from Spanish, “caiman” means “alligator, crocodile”.
Caimans are very similar to alligators.
Alligators are distinguished by the presence of bone abdominal armor.
Caimans can exist exclusively in pure and fresh water, while there are crocodiles living in the waters of a muddy river (Nile or Chinese crocodiles) or in salt water (Australian). This is because caimons do not have special glands that regulate water-salt balance, that is, caimans can not and can not shed “crocodile tears”.
This involves a limited area of distribution of caimans.
They prefer standing waters flowing, like sun-drenched places, patiently tolerate a low level of humidity.
Favorite food of caimans – birds, fish, turtles, small mammals. In these animals, the food requirements depend on the habitat and their size; usually, the larger the caiman, the larger its prey.
The favorite method of hunting caimans is to wait patiently for the victim’s approach, immovably frozen at the very edge of the water.
Caimans usually catch prey in the water, but with the onset of twilight they often come out of the water and hunt without hindrance on land.
The skin of black caimans is of great commercial value, and it is for this reason that they were hunted relentlessly until they became an endangered species.
The number of caimans due to illegal fishing and habitat destruction is declining.
Caiman is the genus of the reptilian family of Alligators from the Crocodiles.
