Yacare caiman
The Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare, Jacaré in Portuguese) is a species of caiman found in central South America, including northeastern Argentina, Uruguay eastern Bolivia, central/south-west Brazil, and the rivers of Paraguay. Approximately 10 million individual Yacare Caiman exist within the Brazilian Pantanal, representing what is quite possibly the largest single crocodilian population on Earth. As a medium-small sized crocodilian, most adult individuals grow to roughly 2 or 2.5 m (6.6 or 8.2 ft) in length, with the occasional 3 m (9.8 ft) individual (there are reports of occasional 4 m (13 ft) individuals within the Pantanal, but this is yet to be verified.) Their smaller size makes them a favorite prey of the jaguar and Yellow Anaconda. This species diet consists primarily of fish (especially piranha) and birds, with the occasional capybara being taken by larger adults. In general, all species of caiman (the exception being the large black caiman) are incapable of seriously harming or consuming humans.
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References
- ^ Crocodile Specialist Group (2008). Caiman yacare. In: IUCN 2008. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 17 August 2009. Database entry includes a brief justification of why this species is of Lower Risk/least concern.
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