Rainforest Expeditions (est. 1989) operates three award winning Amazon lodges: Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas, and Tambopata Research Center. Each Amazon lodge provides access to a unique set of ecotourism experiences in the jungle of southeastern Peru.
Our packages include activities comprised of aspects of nature and culture of the Amazon rainforest. We offer a variety of special interest activities, tours and expeditions like Soft Adventure, Birdwatching expeditions, Family and more...
White Caiman (Caiman crocodylus)
Photo: Noah Hawthorne
Name: White caiman, Narrow-snouted spectacled caiman
Local name: Caimán blanco
Scientific name: Caiman crocodylus
Characteristics:
1. Up to 2.5 m. But normally smaller.
2. Brown or olive color.
3. Usually with dark bars on the body and tail.
4. Bony "crest" between the eyes and two or three transversal rows of occipital scales.
Habitat and behavior: In the forest, near creeks, marshes, ponds, lakes and rivers. Mainly found on river shores.
Diet: Carnivorous. Juveniles feed on invertebrates, whereas adults on fish, amphibians, riparian bird species, and other reptiles.
Reproduction habits: White caimans mate underwater and build nests near the rivers where they place an average of 30 eggs. Gender of the small caimans is decided by the temperature the eggs were exposed to. Those closer to the surface usually become females, whereas those underneath become males. The vulture is its natural enemy since it digs out the eggs to feed on them. Offspring and juveniles are predated by herons, storks, anhingas and anacondas.
Curiosities: White caimans remain immobile outside the water to warm up with the sun. When the level of the river is not too high caimans can be found at night on the shores. In many regions the spectacled caiman has benefited from commercial trade with the other caiman species, mainly the black caiman, as it took over the other species habitats.
