Jacaré - Caiman crocodilus
Also known as yacare, the Jacaré lives in Amazonia and the Pantanal and is one of five species of the Caiman crocodilus, the South and Central American alligator.
The Jacaré lives in rivers and lagoons. It grows from infancy to varying lengths, with Jacaré niger growing to 20 feet. Jacaré sclerops is the most common, ranging from southern Mexico to the northern half of Argentina and grows fairly big.
Caimans live mostly in fresh water, resting just below the surface during the day and hunting at night. In infancy, they feed on bugs, fish and frogs, but as they grow, they feed on larger animals, even cattle.
More about jacarés:
- Dispelling the Crocodile Myth
-
South America Wildlife Photo Gallery Photo thanks to ClipArt.com
Countries and Territories of South America Travel Planner Wildlife, Conservation and Endangered Species South America Photo Gallery Copyright © Bonnie Hamre 1998 - 2006