EXPLORE > ANIMALS > REPTILES
Paleosucus palpebrosus
Sometimes known as a musky caiman, this is the smallest of the crocodilian reptiles with large males rarely grow longer than 5.2 feet (1.6 m). An aquatic animal, it prefers to reside near fast-moving streams or around the edges of lakes where it can hunt fish and invertebrates.
During the day, the caiman will usually retreat to underground burrows, reemerging at night to hunt. Like most crocodilians, the caiman has a heavily armored skin. Its head is narrower than other species however, which is probably an adaptation that better enables the animal to burrow.
Range and Habitat
This reptile can be found in the northern and central parts of South America, including Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia. The caiman prefer freshwater riverine areas and flooded forests. They are common in and around the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers.
Conservation Status
The Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is presumed to be common, but it is difficult to get an accurate census on the species. It is not widely hunted, so neither its meat nor skin is desirable for human use. Perhaps the biggest threats to the animal’s survival is habitat destruction and unregulated collection for the exotic pet trade.
Paleosucus palpebrosus
Sometimes known as a musky caiman, this is the smallest of the crocodilian reptiles with large males rarely grow longer than 5.2 feet (1.6 m). An aquatic animal, it prefers to reside near fast-moving streams or around the edges of lakes where it can hunt fish and invertebrates.
During the day, the caiman will usually retreat to underground burrows, reemerging at night to hunt. Like most crocodilians, the caiman has a heavily armored skin. Its head is narrower than other species however, which is probably an adaptation that better enables the animal to burrow.
Range and Habitat
This reptile can be found in the northern and central parts of South America, including Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia. The caiman prefer freshwater riverine areas and flooded forests. They are common in and around the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers.
Conservation Status
The Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is presumed to be common, but it is difficult to get an accurate census on the species. It is not widely hunted, so neither its meat nor skin is desirable for human use. Perhaps the biggest threats to the animal’s survival is habitat destruction and unregulated collection for the exotic pet trade.