Dracaena guianensis

(Daudin, 1802)

Vernacular names
English : Northern caiman lizard
French : Lézard caïman

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Teiidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach a total length of 1.20 m for a weight of 4.5 kg. Heavy body with large head. Spiny tubercle-like scales on neck and back. Head is dark orange-red, rest of body is olive-brown to olive-green.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in South America, from Colombia and Guianas to North Brazil and Peru. Mostly found in lowland forest swamps and flooded forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species is very poorly known from the wild. It could become endangered by water pollution and deforestation in the future.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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