Cuvier's dwarf caiman
Paleosuchus palpebrosus
CommonPhoto: CC BY-SA 3.0
Reptilecarnivore
The dwarf caiman is a compact crocodilian that thrives in South America's riverbanks and flooded woodlands. Unlike its larger relatives, it comfortably navigates chilly waters and even crosses land to find new pools. Pet traders sometimes call it the wedge-head caiman for its distinctive skull shape.
- It survives in cooler water than most caimans.
- Walks over land to reach temporary rainwater pools.
- Known as the smooth-fronted caiman for its unridged snout.
FreshwaterWetlandRainforestSouth America
Read more on WikipediaAt a glance
- Classification
- Reptile
- Scientific name
- Paleosuchus palpebrosus
- Habitat
- Freshwater, Wetland, Rainforest
- Regions in this directory
- South America
- Diet
- carnivore
- Relative size
- small
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (LC)
