Reptiles
Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman
Paleosuchus palpebrosus · also called musky caiman
Under an overhanging bank of an Amazon stream at dusk, a Cuvier’s dwarf caiman edges out of its burrow, a heavily armoured crocodilian scarcely bigger than a house cat.
Overview
Cuvier’s dwarf caiman, Paleosuchus palpebrosus, is a Least Concern crocodilian of rainforest streams, rocky rivers, and wetlands in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, the Pantanal, and parts of the Paraguay and Parana rivers. Its tiny size, heavy armour, and shy habits make it the smallest and one of the least conspicuous of all crocodilians.
A crocodilian in body armour
The dwarf caiman’s bony plates make it hard for predators to bite, which is just as well for an animal that is small enough to be a meal for a jaguar.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common.
Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman: common questions
Is Cuvier's dwarf caiman the smallest crocodilian?
Yes, it is the smallest living crocodilian, with males around 1.5 metres long and females smaller.
Why does it have so much armour?
Thick bony plates on its back and belly protect it from predators such as jaguars and anacondas.
Where does it live?
It prefers fast-flowing rainforest streams and rocky rivers over the still lakes favoured by other caimans.
Where is Cuvier's dwarf caiman found?
It lives in rainforest streams, rocky rivers, and wetlands in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, the Pantanal, and parts of the Paraguay and Parana rivers.