Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman
Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman
Species: Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Why is Javier here?
Javier the caiman is being cared for by the Victoria Butterfly Gardens on behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada. Javier was found being held illegally without the necessary permits. While legal proceedings are underway to determine its future, our gardens will be its temporary home.
Crocodilians of all species are not legal to keep as pets in BC. On top of that, they are extremely difficult and expensive to properly care for.
Location
In the wild, caimans can be found throughout the southern half of South America in a variety of rivers, swamps, and wetlands.
Population
While the population is considered to be stable in the wild, their numbers have decreased due to illegal hunting and poaching, as well as mining agriculture, and other forms of human expansion.
Diet
Like all crocodilians they are carnivores, they will eat any small animals they can catch but their diet primarily consists of fish, shellfish, small amphibians, and insects.
Physical Characteristics
The Cuvier's dwarf caiman is the smallest species of caiman and a relative of alligators and crocodiles. Females reach a maximum length of 4 feet long and males reach a maximum of 5 feet long.
