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Caïman nain de Cuvier © MNHN - F-G Grandin

The cuvier's dwarf caiman

The dwarf caimans of the Zoological Park of Paris belong to a forest species of French Guiana, Paleosuchus palpebrosus.

Profile

Class, order and family :
Sauropsida, crocodilia, alligatoridae
Lifespan :
up to 25 years (60 in captivity)
Height & weight :
1.20 to 1.60 m for males and up to 7 kg
Gestation :
incubation approximately 90 days
Natural habitat :
wetlands, rivers
Diet :
carnivore, piscivore
Native region :
South America
Statut UICN : 

Least concern (LC)

Lifestyle

This animal lives in a covered environment which receives very little sun. Given that they live in water which is always warm, they don’t need water to thermo-regulate, and spend most of their time in their pool.