Taxonomy

Russian name – Crocodile or spectacled caiman

Latin name: Caiman crocodilus

English title – Spectacled caiman

Class – Reptiles or Reptiles (Reptilia)

Order – Crocodiles (Crocodylia)

Family – Alligators (Alligatoridae)

Genus – Spectacled caimans (Caiman)

There are 3-4 subspecies, differing in color, size and outline of the skull.

Nature protective status

By international status belongs to the category of species whose existence in nature causes the least concern. However, the species is included in Appendix II of CITES, i.e. The trade in crocodile caimans must be controlled. The number of different subspecies in different countries different. The crocodile caiman is protected in Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela, and hunting is restricted in Colombia and Panama.

Species and man

Like most crocodiles, the crocodile caiman is hunted for its famous “crocodile skin.” True, due to the abdominal scutes (osteoderms), only the skin from the sides of the animal is suitable for dressing, which saved the crocodile caiman from extermination. Intensive hunting of these caimans began after the 1950s, when other crocodile species were almost wiped out. Nowadays, crocodile caimans are successfully bred on farms. Currently, natural populations of crocodile caimans are quite stable due to the high adaptability of the species, the extermination of other crocodiles (enemies and competitors) by humans and the increase in the area of ​​artificial reservoirs.

Distribution and habitats

The range of the crocodile caiman is much wider than that of all other members of the alligator family. It occupies Central and South America from Mexico to Brazil and Peru. There are introduced (brought) populations of crocodile caimans in Cuba and the USA (Florida).

This caiman prefers calm lakes, swamps, and banks of tributaries. big rivers With slow flow. It does not avoid brackish waters, which gave it the opportunity to spread throughout the Caribbean islands, including the islands of Trinidad and Tabago.

Appearance

The crocodile caiman is a medium-sized alligator, with a rather long, narrowed snout and large teeth (there can be from 72 to 78). The length of males is 1.8-2 m, females 1.2-1.4 m. The maximum recorded size is 2.2 m. The body weight of adult individuals ranges from 7 to 40 kg. The skull is similar in appearance to that of real crocodiles, which is why caimans got their name. And the bony outgrowths on the head between and around the eyes resemble glasses, which gave rise to the second name of this caiman.

Almost all the skin on the body of the crocodile caiman is covered with dense rows of large scutes. This “armor” protects caimans from both predators and humans. Since such skin is very difficult to tan, crocodile caimans were destroyed less than other crocodiles.

Juvenile crocodile caimans are yellow with black spots and stripes all over their bodies; adults are olive green. They are able to change color slightly using special cells in the skin, e.g. cold weather the caimans are becoming darker.

Lifestyle

The entire life of crocodile caimans is associated with wet lowlands near bodies of water, most often stagnant. They love to hide in dense thickets of aquatic plants, and floating islands of various plants, which not only provide shelter for young crocodiles, but can also transport them over long distances, including across the sea.

An important role in daily activity crocodile caimans playing solar radiation. Usually, at the hottest time of the day, caimans dive into the water (at a water temperature of 29-300), and in the evening they come ashore, where they remain almost the entire night. Thus, thanks to behavioral thermoregulation, body temperature remains fairly stable - 30-330 during the day, 26-300 at night.

In severe drought, caimans bury themselves in the mud at the bottom of a reservoir or in the forest floor.

Among scientists, there is an opinion that crocodile caimans play a large role in local aquatic biocenoses, as they regulate the number predatory piranhas, don't let them multiply too much.

In nature, crocodile caimans have quite a few enemies. These are jaguars large anacondas, other larger crocodiles. Caiman eggs are often eaten by large terrestrial tegu lizards.

Nutrition

The main food of crocodile caimans is shellfish, freshwater crabs, fish, amphibians, small reptiles, water birds and mammals. Larger males can also grab larger prey - wild pigs, anacondas. There are known cases of cannibalism, i.e. eating members of their own species. Young caimans feed mainly on aquatic invertebrates.

In general, the diet of crocodile caimans is quite diverse, and in different parts range, there is significant food selectivity of these crocodiles.

Vocalization

Crocodile caimans are quite "talkative" animals, and their "conversational" repertoire changes with age. When in danger, small crocodiles make a short creaking croaking sound, older animals hiss, and adults “bark” loudly.

Reproduction

Male and female crocodile caimans become sexually mature between 4 and 7 years of age, with a body size of 1.4 m and 1.2 m, respectively. Growth rate The mating season lasts from May to August. After mating, the female builds a nest in dense vegetation from rotting plants, where she lays from 15 to 40 eggs covered with a hard calcined shell. Sometimes several females lay eggs in one nest. Incubation period lasts from 65 to 100 days, with an average of 90 days, depending on local conditions. All this time, the female remains near the nest, driving potential enemies away from it. The hatched cubs stay close to the female for some time.

Lifespan

There is no exact information about the lifespan of crocodile caimans, but it is estimated to be 30-40 years.

Since crocodiles are relatively small alligators, they are regularly found in at a young age are kept in private collections. Unfortunately, very often the owners of such collections try to get rid of the caimans as soon as they grow up, sometimes even throwing them into the nearest bodies of water, dooming them to certain death. The Moscow Zoo has repeatedly been forced to accept such grown-up caimans in order to save their lives and provide them with decent living conditions. Now in the Exotarium pavilion, visitors to our zoo can see one of these forced migrants on display.

Crocodile caiman, maintenance, feeding, reproduction, photo. - 4.8 out of 5 based on 8 votes

Crocodile caiman

The crocodile caiman (Caiman crocodilus) is a species of caiman, a member of the Alligatoridae family. A small crocodile with a rather long snout, narrowed in front. Males reach 2-2.5 m, females - no more than 1.4 m. Young caimans are yellow in color with black spots and stripes throughout the body; adults are olive green. Able to change their color slightly. On the head, between the anterior corners of the eye sockets, there is a transverse ridge. There are three rows of large occipital scutes on the neck. Natural habitats: various freshwater bodies of water, some subspecies go to the ocean.

A temporary 200 liter aquarium with a shore is suitable for a young crocodile. They become adults by the age of four to seven years - during this time it is quite possible to build the necessary aquaterrarium. For an adult crocodile caiman, the total volume of the aquaterrarium should be about 1000 liters, which should include a pool with a depth of about 40 cm (for young animals at least 10 cm) and a shore that should be heated and freely accommodate the animal. Highest value land has a breeding ground for reptiles. If it is not possible to create an island, the pond is made shallow, or a piece of driftwood is placed so that the animal can sit with its muzzle sticking out of the water. Since crocodiles cannot swallow prey underwater due to the absence of lips. Under normal conditions, a special valve prevents water from flowing into the body cavity. When swallowing food, it has to be opened, and if the crocodile swallows under water, it will simply choke. It is not convenient for a caiman to swallow prey while afloat.

The temperature should be 25-35°C with a water temperature of 22-25°C. These can be incandescent lamps (installed on top and directed downwards) or mirror lamps, which can provide local “spot” heating. It is advisable to install heating in such a way as to ensure a temperature difference. It is also desirable to have lighting that contains soft ultraviolet in the spectrum with a wavelength of 290-320 nm ( ultraviolet radiation zone B). In nature, crocodiles receive quite a lot of ultraviolet radiation, which they need for normal absorption of minerals and is especially important for young animals. They are irradiated daily for a week - the crocodile should “sunbathe” for one to five minutes, and sessions are best carried out on dry skin. In the summer, at a temperature not lower than +25 degrees, you can walk a domestic caiman - take it out for an hour or half an hour in a sunny place protected from the wind.

To make an aquaterrarium, thick glass should be used, otherwise animals may break it with their tails. Equipment (filters and heaters) must be rigidly and firmly fixed, and electrical wiring elements must be protected from access by animals, otherwise a broken wire can cause a lot of trouble. Good ventilation should also be provided.

Caring for a caiman in a finished terrarium is quite simple, especially if its pool has a water drainage system to avoid unnecessary contact with the crocodile. Changing the water once a week is usually sufficient, but this depends on feeding and the presence of a filter in the pool. Clean water is an important maintenance condition, therefore it is necessary to provide an active water filtration system and its regular replacement.

The most tame crocodile can bite completely unexpectedly, without warning - from a completely seemingly motionless state. It's better to get thick gloves. Despite their apparent clumsiness, crocodiles are very agile, especially in water. But even on land, caimans can be very active, the animals run quickly and are even able to jump; if the support supports them, they can climb stones and snags. In addition to sharp teeth, crocodiles have another powerful weapon- tail. The tail strikes are very strong. The most dangerous position is when you are on the side of the crocodile. First is the tail strike zone; secondly, the animal does not rush forward, but on its side. So you are in double jeopardy. If the animal decides to defend itself, it will strike with its tail; and if it wants to have lunch, it will use its teeth.

Feeding the caimans

The most dangerous procedure is feeding. The animal should not see your hand holding the food. Otherwise, the reptile will develop a clear reflex to the hand with food - it will react to the hand as if it were food. Therefore, it is recommended to feed with long tweezers, a stick, or simply throw food near the animal. A crocodile can develop different taste preferences: eat one, but refuse another type of food. You should not follow the animal’s lead; after missing several feedings, it will begin to consume the food offered. Moreover, crocodiles can go hungry for a long time.

The feeding frequency of crocodile caimans depends on temperature (the warmer it is, the more it eats and vice versa) and age. Young animals eat more often, almost every day. As they grow, the daily amount of food increases, and the frequency of feedings is reduced to one to two times a week. By limiting feeding, you can regulate the growth of animals and ultimately get a crocodile of reduced size. This method must be used carefully, avoiding exhaustion and vitamin deficiencies.

The diet of an adult caiman is as follows: pieces fresh meat, fish (without pieces of bones, otherwise it could end very sadly for the caiman); fed alive to rats, shellfish, fish, mammals,
It is better to feed newborns only with frogs, insects, mice, chickens, as well as large insects (locusts, large species of cockroaches) and mollusks (Achatina, Ampularia). The main thing is that the food items are healthy.

Vitamin and mineral preparations are necessarily added to the feed, which, in combination with ultraviolet irradiation, are necessary for normal growth and disease prevention. Once a month it is good to give multivitamins and mineral supplements(“Reptiminiral”, “Reptical”, “Reptovit” and others).

Reproduction of crocodile caimans

By the age of four to seven years, crocodile caimans become sexually mature. Mating and egg laying occur throughout the year. Before laying, the female builds a nest with a diameter of about 1.5 m and a height of 20-25 cm. The clutch contains 15-30 eggs measuring 63-38 mm. The duration of incubation at a temperature of 30-32°C is 80-86 days. During this period, it is better not to disturb the females. They actively guard their nest and can be extremely aggressive. The young are born with a total length of about 20 cm and readily eat insects, frogs and newborn mice.

When preparing for breeding, be sure to give the female a course of radiation and give vitamin preparations containing vitamin “E” with the food. A variety of materials for nest construction should be placed on the shore - leaves, small branches, moss. After the babies hatch, they should be separated from the adults.

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One of the most common species of the alligator family, the crocodile caiman has a conservation status of LC (Least Concern) and is included in Appendix II of the CITES Convention. This means that on at the moment There is no obvious threat of extinction of the species, but trade in these reptiles must be strictly regulated by each country in whose territory the species' habitat extends.

Unlike other relatives, the crocodile caiman has natural feature, which allowed the species to protect itself from mass extermination - these are the anatomical features of the skin structure of Caiman crocodilus. It is very difficult to dress, since almost the entire skin of this crocodile is covered with dense rows of large scutes, and the abdominal region is covered with keratinized osteoderms. This “armor” protects the crocodile caiman from large predators.

The size of the crocodile caiman reaches a maximum of 2.5 m, with averages for males in the range of 1.8-2.2 m, and for females: 1.4-1.5 m. The weight of males is approximately 2 times the weight of females and is about 40 kg. Moreover, the muzzle and tail of the female are slightly wider than those of the males.

Thanks to appearance crocodile caiman appeared large number unofficial names of the species in its habitats. Thus, the species Caiman crocodilus is often called the common caiman, while the word “caiman” translated from Spanish means alligator. However, on Spanish, any representative of the order crocodiles is called a caiman. It is assumed that the species received this name due to the fact that its wide and U-shaped snout, typical of alligators, is slightly narrowed, and in this way it resembles real crocodiles.

The second no less popular name for the species is Spectacled Caiman. The species received this name due to infra-orbital (located between the eyes) bone growths, which are shaped like glasses. In addition, a triangular crest is noticeable on the upper part of the eye of the crocodile caiman.

The color of a young crocodile caiman differs from the color of an adult sexually mature individual. As they mature, the relatively noticeable yellow-green color with dark, pronounced spots gives way to a more monotonous color of olive-green shades. In addition, the spectacled caiman is one of the few reptiles that can change color depending on conditions environment thanks to melonophore pigment cells. The color does not change much, but we can say that in this way the individuals are camouflaged, and this greatly helps them during the hunt.

The lifespan of crocodile caimans in captivity is unknown. According to scientists, it could be about 30-40 years. In captivity, the longest period of life of an individual was 24 years.

Origin and habitats in nature

Caiman crocodilus is allocated by taxonomists to the genus Caiman of the alligator family (Alligatoridae). In addition, the species itself is divided into 4 subspecies based on differences in color scheme, size and shape of the skull: C. crocodilus crocodilus, C. crocodilus chiapasius, C. crocodilus fuscus, C. crocodilus apaporensis. Despite the fact that subspecies began to be identified back in the 19th century, scientists are still arguing about their reliability, and therefore the taxonomy given for subspecies is not established.

The habitat of crocodile caimans extends from Mexico in the north to Peru and Brazil in the south. The subspecies C. crocodilus crocodilus lives in Venezuela, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, as well as in northeastern Bolivia. C. crocodilus fuscus lives in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador, and has also been introduced into Cuba, Puerto Rico and Florida (USA).

In addition, individuals of the species live in Costa Rica, El Salvador, as well as Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Suriname. Due to the unique ability for the alligator family to adapt to slightly salty water, the species has become widespread on the islands of the Caribbean, for example, Trinidad and Tobago.

The main biotope of the species consists of freshwater, deep backwaters of reservoirs, densely overgrown with vegetation, river mouths and swamps. Often the habitat of individuals is floating islands of algae of the Eichhornia type, which not only serve as shelter for spectacled caimans, but also transport them over long distances.

Lifestyle

In captivity, crocodile caimans are territorial animals that live alone and gather in pairs, and sometimes in groups, only during the mating season. There are also cases of cannibalism, and therefore in captivity keeping more than one animal of this species in a terrarium is a big risk.

During the hottest time of the day spectacled caimans prefer to hide among the thickets; in the early morning they can come out to bask in the rays rising sun. But crocodile caimans hunt mainly at night and in the twilight. These are very well adapted predators for underwater hunting. Their prey is mainly fish, insects, mollusks, amphibians, amphibious reptiles, as well as rodents and mammals. In short, these alligators are not too picky about food. The role of crocodile caimans in maintaining biological balance is especially noted due to the fact that they feed on piranhas, thus regulating their numbers.

In dry and hot times, crocodile caimans hibernate (estivation), burying themselves in the mud. During hibernation, all functions of the reptile's body slow down.

Terrarium: choosing a crocodile caiman as pet First of all, you need to think about a large enough and roomy terrarium for this reptile. Caimans grow quite quickly, and even if you purchased a small caiman, this does not mean that it will not grow more sizes terrarium. Currently, only one country has thought about strictly regulating the size of the terrarium for keeping caimans, and that is Germany.

According to this regulation, for a crocodile caiman to live comfortably in captivity, the terrarium must be divided into 2 zones: land and water. In this case, the width of the land in the terrarium for a caiman should be 3 times greater than the total length of the reptile from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail (SVL), and the length should be 4 times greater than the SVL. At the same time, the width of the pool should be 4 times the SVL of the reptile, the length should be 5 times, and the minimum depth of the pool should be 0.3 SVL. Thus, according to these rules, for a caiman measuring 1 meter, a terrarium of about 32 m2 will be required. For each additional reptile, the land size should increase by 10% and the pool size by 20%.

These regulations have not been approved in all countries, and therefore at the moment they are more of a recommendation than a rule. However, it is safe to say that in the case of caimans, the size of the terrarium has great value in the literal and figurative sense of this expression.

In addition to the size, it is also necessary to take care of the reliability of the terrarium for a crocodile caiman, since these animals are able to climb walls, and adult caimans are strong enough to destroy an unreliable structure. It is important to remember that if a crocodile caiman has the opportunity to escape, it will certainly try to take advantage of it.

Content temperature: comfortable temperature body temperature for the crocodile caiman during the day ranges from 29 to 34°C. It is at this temperature that the alligator is able to digest food well. Since this is a cold-blooded reptile, the air temperature when keeping a crocodile caiman should also be within the above-mentioned range. Moreover, the temperature gradient in the terrarium is necessary for successful thermoregulation. To maintain circadian rhythms, night temperatures should drop to 20°C. In this case, the water temperature should be constant and be about 27°C.

Lighting: daily rhythms must be observed when keeping crocodile caimans in captivity. Daylight should be 11-13 hours a day, depending on the time of year. Both conventional fluorescent lamps or incandescent lamps can be used as daylighting, as well as sunlight, if duration daylight hours corresponds to the norm. At night to create the most favorable conditions For the crocodile caiman, it is recommended to create an imitation of moonlight, since this type of reptile is active at night. It is preferable to turn on lamps with a full spectrum of radiation (UVB, UVA) during the day. Even though the caiman is not active at this time, it must still produce vitamin D, and without special lamps in the terrarium this is impossible.

Design: Gravel, stones and small parts of rocks can be used as decoration in a terrarium with a crocodile caiman. It is important that all design elements are securely fastened and not located at the heating point, as the stones can heat up stronger than air, which can cause burns to the reptile. Additional decoration in the form of plants and other aesthetic decorations is not required, since they will be difficult to care for, and they will not live long in a terrarium with a caiman.

Feeding in captivity

Due to the fact that crocodile caimans in nature eat a large amount of different foods, it is necessary to maintain a balanced diet for them in captivity. This rule should not be neglected, since a preponderance in the caiman’s diet in favor of one or another type of prey can cause certain problems. For example, if you frequently feed a caiman fish, this can lead to a lack of vitamin E, which causes serious problems with the health of the alligator. Therefore, it is important that the crocodile caiman’s diet consists of fish, insects, rodents, and it can also be frogs, cut chicken, pork and beef. Moreover, a young caiman should be fed prey with less hard chitin and smaller bones, while an adult can even be offered pieces of beef along with not too large bones.

In general, prey bones are a good source of calcium and meat is a good source of protein - which is why it is important to offer whole prey to the reptile if possible and the prey is of a size that the reptile can handle.
If at least part of the crocodile caiman’s diet consists of defrosted fish and cut up meat, then it is imperative to include special vitamin and mineral complex supplements.

It is enough to feed an adult 2-3 times a week, while young animals need to be fed every 2 days or 3-4 times a week.

Crocodile caimans, as a rule, do not refuse food. They may not eat in the presence of the owner or eat food at night, but if the caiman does not eat at all, then it is either a pregnant female who is limiting the amount of food because there is simply no room left for food, or this signals health problems alligator.

Breeding

Crocodile caimans become sexually mature at the age of about 4-6 years. However, until the female reaches 120 cm and the male reaches 140 cm in length, it is believed that the individual has not reached sexual maturity, and therefore this age is very arbitrary.

In nature mating season falls during the rainy season, this is May-August depending on the habitat. Females lay eggs between July and November. Before laying eggs, the female prepares a nest on the ground from clay, sand and vegetation, which decomposes during the incubation process, maintaining the temperature in the nest necessary for incubation. The diameter of the nest can reach two meters, while the height is approximately a meter.

One clutch can consist of 10-30 eggs. Incubation lasts from 64 to 100 days. During this period, the female, and sometimes the male, sometimes approaches the clutch. Tegu lizards often eat the eggs of crocodile caimans. Those females who manage to preserve the clutch help the young to hatch and take them to the water. Adult females and males take care of the young for about one and a half years.

For most, the word “caiman” is associated with a small crocodile, which is not entirely correct: along with small representatives of the genus (1.5-2 m), there are impressive specimens weighing 2 centners, reaching up to 3.5 m.

Description of the caiman

Caimans live in Central/South America and belong to the alligator family. They owe their family name, translated as “crocodile,” to the Spaniards.

Important! Biologists warn that the genus caimans do not include Melanosuchus (black caimans) and Paleosuchus (smooth-fronted caimans).

Types of caimans

Biologists have classified two extinct species of caimans described from fossil remains, as well as three living species:

• Caiman crocodilus – common caiman (with 2 subspecies);
• Caiman latirostris – broad-nosed caiman (no subspecies);
• Caiman yacare is a Paraguayan caiman with no subspecies.

It has been established that caimans are one of the key links in the ecological chain: as their numbers decrease, fish begin to disappear. Thus, they regulate the population of piranhas, which breed intensively where there are no caimans.

Nowadays, caimans (in most of their range) also make up for the natural deficiency of large crocodiles, exterminated due to cruel hunting. The Caymans were saved from destruction... by their skin, which is unsuitable for dressing due to huge number keratinized scales. As a rule, caimans are used for harnesses, so they are still bred on farms, passing off the skin as crocodile skin.

Range, habitats

It boasts the most extensive range common caiman, inhabiting the USA and many countries of South / Central America: Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guyana, Guatemala, French Guiana, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad, Tobago and Venezuela.

The spectacled caiman is not particularly attached to bodies of water, and when choosing them, it prefers still water. It usually settles near rivers and lakes, as well as in damp lowlands. It feels great in the rainy season and tolerates drought well. Can spend a couple of days in salt water. During dry times, it hides in holes or buries itself in liquid mud.

More compressed range broad-faced caiman. He lives on Atlantic coast northern Argentina, Paraguay, the small islands of southeastern Brazil, Bolivia and Uruguay. This view (with exclusively by water life) inhabits mangrove swamps and extensive swampy lowlands with fresh water. More than other places, the broad-nosed caiman likes to leisurely flowing rivers in dense forests.

Unlike other species, it tolerates well low temperatures, therefore lives at an altitude of 600 m above sea level. Feels calm near human habitation, for example, on ponds where livestock watering places are located.

The most heat-loving of modern caimans is Yakarsky, whose range covers Paraguay, southern Brazil and northern Argentina. Jacare settles in swamps and wet lowlands, often camouflaging itself in floating green islands. Competing for bodies of water with the broad-faced caiman, it displaces the latter from best places habitat.

Food, catching caiman

He is not picky about food and devours everyone who does not scare him away with his size. Growing predators eat aquatic invertebrates, including crustaceans, insects and mollusks. Adults switch to vertebrates (fish, reptiles, amphibians and waterfowl).

A seasoned caiman allows itself to hunt larger game, such as wild pigs. This species is known for cannibalism: crocodile caimans usually eat their comrades during periods of drought (in the absence of their usual food).

Favorite dish broad-faced caiman- water snails. Terrestrial mammals There is practically no interest in these caimans.

Caimans become orderlies of reservoirs, clearing them of snails harmful to livestock. Other invertebrates, as well as amphibians and fish, appear on the table less often. Adults feast on meat aquatic turtles, whose shells the caimans crack like nuts.

Paraguayan caiman, like the broad-nosed one, loves to pamper itself with aquatic snails. Occasionally it hunts fish, and even less often – snakes and frogs. Young predators eat only shellfish, only by the age of three they switch to vertebrates.