Category: Reptiles
The black caiman is one of the biggest member of the alligator family – they are the largest predator in the Amazon basin and commonly reach lengths of 14 feet. They are generally more stout of body than other crocodilians. Large adults are able to overpower and eat almost any vertebrate unfortunate enough to come within striking range – even large river turtles are not immune to the immense force of the black caiman’s bite.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_caiman
http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/csp_mnig.htm
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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Discover Animals is a web-based educational resource offered by the NAIA
