The black caiman is a close relative of dinosaurs of the Mesozoic era. Through the years, the caiman has not undergone much evolution. Resembling the alligator, the caiman can grow to a length of 6m.

The black caiman silently and patiently waits under the camouflage of water for preys to come along the river to drink. The caiman will then bite the prey with its ferocious teeth and drag it down into the water, drowning it. Their preys include various fishes, capybaras, deer etc.

During the mating season, the caiman mate in water. The female black caiman will lay her eggs along the riverbank. About 60 eggs are produced each time. The young of the black caiman hatch in 3 months. They first feed on insects and gradually change their diet to larger animals.

The black caiman has been a main target by man, who aims at the possession of the skins. Since 1900s, the caiman population has been reduced by 99% due to over-hunting.

birds          Black Skimmer           Great Egret           Harpy Eagle

Macaw           Yellow-tufted Woodpecker

fish          piranha

insects          Leaf Cutter Ant

mammals          Brazilian Tapir           Collared Peccary           Giant Anteater           Giant Otter

Howler Monkey           Owl Monkey           Jaguar           Pink Dolphin

reptiles          Anaconda Snake           Tree Boa           Black Caiman

rodents          Brown Agouti           Capybara