Broad-snouted caiman
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Broad-snouted Caiman | ||||||||||||||
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Caiman latirostris (Daudin, 1801) |
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Broad-snouted Caiman range
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The broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) is a crocodilian reptile found in eastern and central South America, including southeastern Brazil, northern Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. It is found mostly in freshwater marshes, swamps, and mangroves. Its notable physical characteristic is its broad snout from which its name is derived. Most tend to be of an olive-green color, with exceptions occurring as adaptations to varying climates. Its diet consists mainly of small invertebrates, and it can crush shells to feed on turtles and snails. The species is threatened due to illegal hunting and loss of habitat.
[edit] References
- Crocodile Specialist Group (1996). Caiman latirostris. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006.