Paleosuchus palpebrosus

(Cuvier, 1807)

Vernacular names
English : Cuvier’s smooth-fronted caiman
French : Caïman nain de Cuvier

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Alligatoridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The smallest crocodilian species, reaching up to 160 cm in total length. It head is short with smooth forehead and concave snout. Heavily ossified dorsal and ventral armor. Coloration is brown with clear spots on lower jaw.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South America, from Colombia, Venezuela and Guianas to south-central Brazil and Bolivia. Lives in lowland freshwater forested rivers, lakes and flooded forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species seems to be relatively widespread and at least locally common. No recent studies undertaken to find out about trend of wild populations.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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