Black Caiman, Prehistoric Top Predator

Caimans are cold-blooded reptiles that together with alligators comprise the Subfamily Alligatorinae. The Black Caiman is the largest member of this group in the world; adults can grow to 6 metres (16-20 ft.) long. Caimans and alligators differ from members of the Subfamily Crocodylinae (crocodiles) due to certain anatomical differences.

Black Caiman

Melanosuchus niger

This is one of four caimans found in Guyana. The others are the Common or Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus), Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman (the world's smallest caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus) and Schneider's Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus).

Habitat

Black Caimans' freshwater habitats include slow-moving rivers, wetlands and flooded savannahs. Young specimens are found on or near floating mats of grass found in the waterways.

Diet

Carnivores that hunt by both sight and sound, adult Black Caiman feed on fish, turtles, Capybara and even deer (see large rodents and hoofed mammals in the online mammal guide). Immature Black Caiman feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans and other invertebrates.

Black Caiman hatchlings

Family Life

Nesting begins in December when shrinking water bodies cause fish to congregate in shallow pools, creating a steady supply of food for the females and her offspring. Mound nests composed of nearby vegetation average 1.5m (5 ft.) wide and .75m (2.5 ft.) high. Embryos hatch in about six weeks. Black Caimans often nest near one another, increasing hatchlings' chance of survival.

Status in the Wild

Although the population in Iwokrama Forest and Guyana has remained relatively healthy, Black Caimans have been extensively hunted for its' skin for use as a leather product. Commercial hunting of this species probably began in the 1940's and continues illegally today.

As for global conservation status, there appears to be a wide variance.  This may be due at least in part to successful conservation efforts in some areas of its range, contrasted with continued excessive hunting elsewhere.

According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, during recent years, the species has undergone substantial recovery in most of its range.

As of 11th November 2004:

• Listed as Appendix I by the Convention of International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) - threatened with extinction.
• Listed as Lower Risk - conservation dependent in 2000 by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List - widespread populations and extinction is unlikely.