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THE YACARE CAIMAN

COMMON NAMES:
Yacare caiman, Paraguayan caiman, Red caiman, Piranha caiman, Southern spectacled caiman.

DISTRIBUTION:
Argentina (north), Brazil (south), Bolivia (south), Paraguay

ENVIRONMENT:
Found in a variety of habitat types, similar to the Spectacled - wetlands, rivers and lakes, often associated with floating mats of vegetation.

STATUS:
IUCN-International Union of Conservation of Nature (Low Risk and Least Concern)
Estimated wild population: 100,000 to 200,000

APPEARANCE:
Similar in general design to the Spectacled, reaching lengths of 7-9FT (2.5 to 3 m). Like the common caiman, its scales have well-developed osteoderms. The less ossified flanks are used in the skin trade. One of its common names is "Piranha Caiman" is derived from its taste for South American Piranha fish, although some attribute this to the more crocodile-like dentition where teeth in the lower jaw may protrude through the surface of the upper jaw.

DIET:
Aquatic invertebrates (particularly snails) and vertebrates such as fish with the occasional snake.

BREEDING:
Yacare’s construct nests into which 21 to 38 eggs are usually laid. Peak egg laying occurs during the middle of the rainy season. Females guard the nest during incubation, but this has been shown to be influenced by the effects of hunting pressure.

CONSERVATION:
Ecological studies have been carried out in the Panatal in Brazil. Population survey data are extensive throughout the species' range, and shows that numbers are generally depleted. While protected, these measures are rarely effectively enforced. Removal of the Endangered Species Act in the US would severely affect this species. Illegal hunting during the 1970s and 80s is the primary reason for these low numbers, and organised poaching (e.g. Brazil) still remains one of the major threats to the species along with habitat destruction.