Species Name: Cuvier’s dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)

Conservation status: Least concern

Native to: This species is located throughout northern and central South America, including

Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, and Venezuela (Lobaina, n.d.).

They are often found in and around freshwater rivers, streams, and other bodies of water, such as

the Amazon River (Campos et al., 2015). As a crocodilian species, they can also be seen basking

in the sun along the water’s edge.

Average size: Males typically grow to be about 1.3-1.5 meters in length while females are

slightly smaller at about 1.2 meters in length (Lobaina, n.d.).

Diet: Cuvier’s dwarf caimans will eat a variety of fish, amphibians, and small invertebrates

(Lobaina, n.d.). While many crocodilian species utilize the death roll motion to break apart larger

foods, Cuvier’s dwarf caiman may not do the same considering their diets consist of such small

organisms in comparison to their body size (Study, 2019).

Lifespan (captivity/wild): Like other crocodilian species, it is probable that Cuvier’s dwarf

caimans could potentially live up to 25 years. In captivity, it is likely that the dwarf caimans are

capable of living that long if not longer as they have all of their basic needs met by caretakers. In
the wild, however, it is more likely that dwarf caimans live significantly shorter lives as a result

of competition between individuals, poaching, and habitat lost due to natural events and/or

human interaction.

Social behavior: As juveniles, the dwarf caimans are often found by themselves or in pairs

without an adult present (Campos et al., 2012). As adults, males and females that form breeding

pairs share in the responsibility of creating a nest for their egg clutch and protecting them until

they hatch (Lobaina, n.d.). After hatching, the juveniles remain in/around the nest site until they

are ready to swim, at which time the mothers usually leave them to fend for themselves.

Role in ecosystem: Cuvier’s dwarf caimans help to maintain their ecosystem’s biodiversity

levels. This is due to typical predator-prey dynamics that keep balance among species relative to

the food sources available. The species that dwarf caiman prey on are less likely to overpopulate

the area as a result.

Adaptations: Dwarf caimans have elevated snouts that allow them to breathe while treading or

wading on top of the water. Their skin is also armored, providing protection from competitors

and other species that intend to do them harm.

Conservation concerns: None.

Conservation actions: None.

 References

Campos, Z., Sanaiotti, T., Muniz, F., Farias, I., & Magnusson, W. E. (2012). Parental care in the

dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus Cuvier, 1807 (Reptilia: Crocodilia:

Alligatoridae). Journal of Natural History, 46(47–48), 2979–2984.

Campos, Zilca, Sanaiotti, T., Marques, V., & Magnusson, W. E. (2015). Geographic variation in

clutch size and reproductive season of the dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, in

Brazil. Journal of Herpetology, 49(1), 95–98.

Lobaina, I. (n.d.). Evolution of maternal investment strategies for the order Crocodylia.

Retrieved February 2, 2021, from Usf.edu website:

https://digital.stpetersburg.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?

article=1157&context=honorstheses

Study: Infamous “death roll” almost universal among crocodile species - news. (2019, April 18).

Retrieved February 2, 2021, from Utk.edu website:

https://news.utk.edu/2019/04/18/study-infamous-death-roll-almost-universal-among-

crocodile-species/

White, J. (2004). Paleosuchus palpebrosus; Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman [Photograph]. Retrieved

from https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?seq_num=143498&one=T