Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare)

The yacare caiman is a crocodilian that is that inhabits a small area of South America including southern Brazil and Bolivia, Paraguay and northern Argentina. The species has a population of over 10 million individuals in the Pantanal tropical wetland. As a smaller than average crocodilian, the yacare caiman feeds mostly on smaller animals like fish, snails, crabs and birds. The species generally builds a mound nest and protects their eggs when the risk of human interaction is high. The largest risk to the yacare caiman population is illegal hunting for the animal's hide.

Rights Holder: Joshua Fries