Home > Animals > Reptiles > Cuvier’s dwarf caiman

Cuvier’s dwarf caiman

(Paleosuchus palpebrosus)

 

Category: Reptiles

 

 

This relatively diminutive caiman is the smallest of all the crocodilians and is native to South America. Adults rarely exceed fifteen pounds and do not grow larger than five feet long. They are considered a “keystone” species that helps keep a healthy balance of other organisms sharing their ecosystem.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuvier's_dwarf_caiman

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Sauropsida
Order - Crocodilia
Family - Alligatoridae
Genus - Paleosuchus
Species - P. palpebrosus

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

The report of my breath was an exaggeration

For years, the Komodo dragon was accused of having a mouth so filthy that even if you escaped its terrible bite, you were doomed to eventually die from the ensuing bacterial infection. However, recent studies on Komodo dragons demonstrated that this was unfair, as they have mouths cleaner than many mammalian carnivores. It turns out the reality is worse than the myth: they have poison glands! Komodo dragons produce a venom that sends prey into shock while keeping its blood from clotting. A deer or pig who “escapes” will run off and go into shock, often bleeding out from its wounds within 3 hours, leaving an easy treat for the dragon.

Learn more >>

 


NAIA - National Animal Interest Alliance Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
To learn more about the NAIA or about other NAIA programs, visit us at www.NAIAOnline.org
if you would like to help, join or support the NAIA or any of its programs please click here >>