在动物园里
南美洲热带雨林与鸟类园
令人惊叹的事实
Caiman lizards are semi-aquatic and will rest on tree branches above rivers. When threatened, they will drop from the branch into the water and swim away from danger. When further threatened they can deliver both a powerful bite from their strong jaws and a forceful blow from their muscular tail.
In addition to being excellent swimmers, they are also excellent climbers.
物理特征
Adults grow to lengths of 2 – 4 feet and weigh between 3 – 6 pounds. They have green bodies and reddish-colored heads. Males and females are similar in appearance. They were named “caiman lizard” after the caiman crocodile, due to the crocodile-like scales on their backs, as well as their long flat tail, which helps them to swim. They have a clear third eyelid that they use like goggles while swimming.
Lifespan is between 8 – 12 years.
栖息地
Caiman lizards are found in the riparian zone of tropical forests in Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Peru.
饮食
They feed primarily on snails, as well as clams, and have a powerful jaw that crushes the shells. Once they have extracted the meat, they will spit out the shells.
社交行为
After mating, the female will lay eggs in a hole she has dug from a riverbank. There is no parental care.
野生的状态
Not yet assessed by IUCN.
In the mid-to-late 20th century, they were heavily hunted for their thick, crocodile-like skin used for leather products. By the 1970s after the passage of strict regulations and a ban on exports in the 1990s, wild populations were able to recover. They are still threatened by the illegal pet trade, in addition to habitat loss and climate change.
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