Biodiversity
Brain
Genetics
Marine BiOLogy
MicrobiOLogy
PaleontOLogy
ZoOLogy
AnthropOLogy
ArchaeOLogy
Astronomy
Climate Change
Earth
Physics
Water
Its habitats are being destroyed.
It is heavily hunted for its skin.
Both A and B
Correct!
There used to be plenty of Yacaré caiman in South America. Then in the 1970's and 1980's, their numbers dropped because of habitat loss and over hunting.
Scientific name: Caiman yacare
Size: 8 to 9 feet long
Habitat: rivers, lakes, and wetlands of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay
Diet: snails, water snakes, fish
Characteristics: crocodile-like reptile that has bony scales on its belly
Significance: Due to habitat loss and over hunting, the caiman is a protected species
Why is the Yacaré caiman a protected species?
Anacondas, enormous South American snakes, sometimes eat adult caimans.
Fact
OR
Fiction
?
Fact
The anaconda is able to unhinge its jaws and fit large prey, such as caimans, in its mouth.
Despite its jagged teeth, the Yacaré caiman's favorite food is bananas.
Fact
OR
Fiction
?
Fiction
Its teeth don't lie. The Yacaré caiman is a full-fledged carnivore. Its meals include swimming animals like snails, fish, and water snakes.
“
By protecting habitats and controlling illegal hunting, we should be able to save caiman as an important part of biodiversity.
„
George Amato