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Yacare Caiman

(Caiman yacare)

 

Category: Reptiles

 

 

This species of caiman is native to South America and the 10 million Yacare caimans inhabiting the Brazilian Pantanal may represent the largest population of a single type of crocodilian found on earth! Their diet includes fish, birds, other reptiles, small mammals, and occasionally larger mammals such as capybara. The Yacare caiman’s relatively small size makes it occasional prey for jaguars and anacondas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yacare_caiman

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/07/yacare-caiman/smith-text

 

Data & Facts

Scientific Classification
Kingdom - Animalia
Phylum - Chordata
Class - Reptilia
Order - Crocodilia
Family - Alligatoridae
Genus - Caiman
Species - C. yacare

 
Did you know?
Interesting Animal Facts

The not-a-snake

The slow worm has a long body, lacks limbs, and is covered in lustrous scales - so is it a snake? No, it is a lizard! Because unlike snakes, the slow worm has eyelids, visible ears, and like many lizards, its tail can break off in the mouth of a predator, allowing them to escape for another day. The slow worm belongs to the Anguidae family, and similarly (but independently) lost their limbs to better adapt to their environments. These “not-snakes” can be found in gardens throughout Europe and the UK, helping to control the population of slugs and other pests, though you probably won’t see any if you have a cat: a slow worm will likely prove a favorite food of your cat!

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