CAIMANS

Reptiles at Botolan Wildlife Farm Zambales

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Caimans [caiman crocodilus] at BWF. Come and see when and what we feed them and how they live. They keep a watchful eye on you! But don't worry, they are being kept in a save compound.

FACT FILE

Caimans are large aquatic reptile of the Alligatoridae family found in Central and South America.

Over their natural range, caimans usually occur in forests, swamps, large rivers and lakes, over shallow banks Caimans typically are relatively sedentary, but they can be quite nomadic when local conditions become inadequate.

Caiman at Botolan Wildlife Farm Zambales

They may move to different lagoons and colonize newly formed ponds and flooded areas during the rainy season.

They spend the day floating just below the surface of the water or resting on the bank, lying in holes in hot weather. They hunt by night, in the water and on the bank. Young caimans feed on water insects, crustaceans, frogs, and fish; as they grow they catch proportionally larger animals. They do not commonly attack humans.

Caiman at Botolan Wildlife Farm Zambales

Males are approximately 30-40 %larger than females. Males become sexually mature at 7 years of age, when they are approximately 75 cm. Females mature at the same age, but measure 60 cm in length.

However, both males and females typically do not reproduce until they are much larger and older. Nests are made very close to the water, and are usually made under the cover of thick stands of vegetation.