Animals

Crocodiles, Alligators and Caimans
Other Animals
Cuvier’s Caiman

Cuvier’s Caiman

Scientific Name: Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Common Names: Dwarf Caiman, Cuvier’s Smooth-fronted Caiman

Maximum adult length: 1.5 metres (4.9 feet)

 

N.B. Exceptionally large specimens can be found in all species of crocodilian.

 

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, also known as Cuvier’s smooth-fronted caiman, is a small caiman from northern and central South America. With an adult length of up to 1.6 metres (5.2 feet) in males, and up to 1.2 metres (3.9 feet) in females, it is the smallest species of crocodilian. Juveniles are brown with black banding. Adults are usually darker. They are believed to be the most primitive species of crocodilian.

Kingdom
ANIMALIA
Phylum
CHORDATA
Class
REPTILIA
Order
CROCODYLIA
Family
ALLIGATORIDAE
Genus
PALEOSUCHUS

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is classified as Lower Risk/least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

It is listed on CITES Appendix II.

 

Red List Category & Criteria: Lower Risk/least concern ver 2.3
Year Published: 1996
Date Assessed: 1996-08-01

 

Curviers status

Countries: Bolivia; Brazil; Colombia; Ecuador; French Guiana; Guyana; Paraguay; Peru; Suriname; Venezuela

 

Curviers range

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman is a freshwater species native to tropical northern and central South America. It is found in forested riverine habitats and areas of flooded forest around lakes. It seems to prefer rivers and streams with fast-flowing water but is also found in quiet, nutrient-poor waters. It is able to travel quite large distances overland at night and individuals have sometimes been found in isolated, temporary pools.

 

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman seems relatively tolerant of cool water compared to other species of crocodile.

Adult Cuvier’s dwarf caiman feed on fish, crabs, shrimps, molluscs, and other invertebrates, which they catch in the water or, on land. Juveniles eat fewer fish but also consume crustaceans as well as land invertebrates such as beetles. They have short, backward-curved teeth, which are particularly suited to taking invertebrates such as crustaceans.

Threats for Cuvier’s dwarf caiman come from habitat destruction, and pollution (for example, through gold mining activities). Collection for the pet trade has reduced population densities in local areas of some countries. Despite extensive survey data regarding population status, little is known about the biology and ecology of this species, and further research is required.

 

Est. wild population: More than 1,000,000
Main conservation threats: Habitat destruction, pollution and collection for the pet trade

References

IUCN Red List (September, 2014) http://www.iucnredlist.org

 

At the zoo

Our five Cuvier’s dwarf caimans cohabit in a small social group, together with native terrapin and turtle species.

 

We have had success breeding Cuvier’s dwarf caimans and in the autumn the zoo is often home to noisy caiman hatchlings!

 

Adopters

  • Deana Louise Horwill
  • Chloe Leach

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