Vast numbers of Yacare caiman congregate in Brazil’s Pantanal wetlands, representing perhaps the largest single crocodilian population in the world.
In the past few years, however, the number of caimans has dwindled to just a few dozen individuals, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE by researchers from the National University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and the Brazilian Institute of Ecology and Natural Resources (INPE).
The researchers found that the population has declined by more than 90 percent since the 1970s, and that it is likely to continue to decline as a result of habitat loss, hunting, disease and human encroachment.
The study was conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species (RTS) Species of Special Concern (SSC) as well as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and was funded by a grant from WWF-Brazil.
Table of Contents
Does Brazil have crocs or alligators?
The reptiles are yacare caimans, a species closely related to alligators, not crocodiles, multiple experts told The Associated Press. In the clip, they are congregating near a river during the dry season to maintain a healthy population.
“They are not a threat to humans, but they can be a problem if they get into the wrong hands,” said Dr. David Pimentel, an expert on reptiles and amphibians at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
Does the Amazon have alligators or crocodiles?
Rainforest crocodiles are actually caiman in the alligator family. The largest crocodile on Earth is the saltwater crocodile of the Gulf of Mexico. Caiman are found in tropical and subtropical rainforests in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. They are also found as far north as the Arctic Circle.
What countries have alligators or crocodiles?
Wildlife refuge in southern Louisiana has several of the Chinese alligator in captivity in an effort to save the species. Alligators are not native to Louisiana. They were brought to the state by the Spanish and French during the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
It was not until the early 1900s that they were reintroduced into the wild. Since then, they have thrived in Louisiana and are now found in all of the Gulf Coast states. Alligators can grow to be as large as 10 feet in length and weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
Which country has the most crocodile attacks?
The majority of crocodile attacks occur in africa. You should always be aware of your surroundings at all times and be prepared to defend yourself if attacked. If you do not have a good sense of direction, you may not be able to find your way back to your vehicle.
In addition, it is not uncommon for people to become separated from their vehicle and end up in a dangerous situation. It is also important to remember that if a person is attacked, they are more likely to die than if they were not attacked in the first place.
Which country has no crocodile?
Europe are the only continents without native species of penguins. Penguins are found on every continent except Antarctica and Antarctica is home to the world’s largest population of the birds.
Which is more aggressive crocs or alligators?
Crocodiles are often regarded as much more aggressive than alligators. Alligators are less aggressive than crocodiles, but you should avoid contact with both animals at all costs.
Does Rio de Janeiro have crocodiles?
According to officials, these lizards can grow up to 13 feet and weigh 1,500 pounds. They can live for about 30 years. Janiero is a popular tourist destination.
What is the largest predator in the Amazon?
The black caiman is one of the largest animals. It is the largest predator in the Amazon basin and possibly the largest member of the family Carcharhinidae, which includes alligator, crocodiles, caimans and alligator-like crocodilians.
The species was first described in 1872 by the French naturalist Jean-Baptiste Léopold Trouvelot, who described it as “a large, black, long-necked reptile with a large head, a long neck and a very long tail”. The species name is derived from the Latin word caudus, meaning “black”.
