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THE BROAD-SNOUTED CAIMAN

COMMON NAMES:
Broad-snouted Caiman, Overo, Yacaré Overo, Ururan, Yacaré de Hocico Ancho, Jacaré Verde, Jacaré de Hocico, Ancho, Brazilian caiman, Tinga

LOCATIONS:
Argentina (north), Bolivia, Brazil (southeast), Paraguay, Uruguay

ENVIRONMENTS:
A highly aquatic species which is found primarily in mangroves, marshes and swamps (freshwater and brackish) throughout its distribution, together with habitat associated with numerous small Atlantic river drainages. They have also been found in mangrove habitat surrounding small coastal islands in southeast Brazil. This species has a greater tolerance for colder conditions. Their darker colouration is a big help in being designed to absorb more radiated heat.

STATUS:
IUCN-International Union of Conservation of Nature (Low Risk and Less Concern)
Estimated wild population: 250,000 to 500,000
Summary: Widespread and fairly healthy populations complimented by encouraging management programs

APPEARANCE:
Described as a medium-sized crocodilian with a maximum length about 9-10ft (3.5 m). Though most male individuals in the wild do exceed 6ft. Females never exceed 6ft (2 m), and are usually smaller in the wild. As its common name implies, it has an exceptionally broad snout - more so even than that of the American Alligator, proportionally. There is a unique ridge which runs down the snout. The dorsal surface is heavily ossified. Adults tend to be a pale olive green colour, and although some reports state that spots are present on the jaws, similar to the Yacare Caiman.

TEETH:
Total no. of teeth = 68-78

DIET:
Loves to eat aquatic snails, but will also take a wide variety of other invertebrates and small vertebrates like fish and amphibians. Larger animals are able to take larger prey, and their jaws are well-suited to crushing turtle shells.

BREEDING:
Thanks to the closely watched captive breeding in zoos, they have shown that this species builds a mound nest into which 20 to 60 eggs are usually laid, but In the wild, these nests will often be built on uninhabited or isolated river islands. Nest construction occurs during the rainy season and may be assisted by the male. Eggs are reported to be laid in two layers, which may help to create a slight difference in temperature between the two layers, and hence a slightly different sex ratio in the embryos. Incubation period is approximately 70 days. Females have been observed opening the nest during hatching and assisting the hatchlings to the water, where they will be guarded for an questionable period by both parents.

CONSERVATION:
Their skin does have some osteoderms, but the skin is more suitable for tanning purposes, and so it is in higher demand than that of other caiman species. Commercial hunting in the mid 50’s had taken its toll on wild populations. Illegal hunting still persists, but is not now considered to be a threat to the species because caimans are harder to find, making hunting less attractive and more costly when traders can obtain better quality legal skins of higher quality. Although protection for the species has increased, it still faces the major threat of habitat destruction - deforestation pressures (e.g. hydroelectric projects, draining of vast areas for agriculture) are very severe around Brazil and Uraguay where this species exists. Pollution entering waterways from developing cities is also contributing to habitat degradation. There have been no studies on these important factors which may be affecting caiman populations.