HISTORY AND GENERAL
200 million years ago dinosaurs and pterosaurs were the dominant reptiles on the planet. They were part of the group of archosaurs, to which crocodiles and alligators also belong, who are considered close relatives of these gigantic prehistoric reptiles. INFORMATION OF MANU TOURS:
Alligators, which only live in Central and South America, are represented by 7 species that belong to the Alligatoridae family, 5 of which live in Peru.
Species in the Alligatoridae family, such as the BLACK CAIMAN, have lower teeth that fit inside the upper jaw when the mouth is closed, and the fourth tusk of the lower jaw is hidden in a cavity in the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. .
DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
In South America the BLACK CAIMAN is widely distributed in almost the entire Amazon river basin, from Peru and Bolivia to its mouth, however there are reports of having been seen in Paraguay. In our country, there are significant populations in the Manu National Park.
The BLACK CAYMAN inhabits both calm water rivers and deep lakes, swampy areas and flood forests, where it finds the food it needs to survive.
MORPHOLOGY
BODY: The skin of the BLACK CAYMAN is bluish-green.
LENGTH: It grows throughout its life, being able to measure up to 7 meters.
WEIGHT: It weighs more than 400 kilos.
BREAST: The BLACK CAYMAN is a battleship, an almost indestructible creature, thanks to its armor so hard that not even the spears of the natives pierce it.
BELLY: Its belly has thick skin that is reinforced with strong bony plates, however it is vulnerable.
TAIL: Its tail is long and powerful, which allows it to propel itself in the water and swim at high speeds.
EYES: The BLACK CAYMAN’s eyes have very prominent superciliary arches that protect them from the burning Amazon sun and its reflection in the water. It is almost always possible to see bees and wasps perched on their eyes, which feed on mineral salts and some organic waste.
JAW: Features a powerful jaw with numerous, sharp teeth that are ready to rip rather than cut.
SWIM: The BLACK CAYMAN swims superficially, taking out only the nose to breathe.
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