Description:
Scientific name: Paleosuchus trigonatus
Life span: 40 years
Because they don’t have the ridge between their eyes like other caiman species in the genera Caiman and Melanosuchus, they are known as smooth fronted caimans. Their back is also dark brown, with cream on the underside, and a light brown tint on their head. Along the tail are bands of light and darkness. As they get older, their color will fade.
Long tails are seen at the end of bodies. This has significant ossification, which is thought to help them swim in strong currents. Their eyes are brown in tone.
Native Region/Habitat
Paleosuchus trigonatus can be found in the forested areas close to shallow streams in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. From French Guiana in the east to Peru in the west, their range spans a considerable portion of South America. This species is prevalent around waterfalls or rapids in cold, swift-moving woodland streams and rivers.
Behavior:
As a solitary species, Paleosuchus trigonatus only gathers in large groups during the breeding season. Adults frequently patrol areas that are up to 1000 meters long along stream sides on their own. This species’ distribution overlaps with that of its related, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, however it is unclear how the two interact.
Adult P. trigonatus spend their days hiding out in burrows, hollow logs, or other objects near streams because they are frequently nocturnal. Hunting at night in and near streams
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Loss of habitat and connectivity to that habitat pose threats to these animals. It’s possible that hydroelectric dams will accidentally kill them. Another danger is the pollution caused by gold mining in some areas of their range.
They are not thought to be a significant target for the skin trade because of their modest size. To supply the pet trade, a few may be taken.
Table
