Reptile
The cuvier's dwarf caiman
Paleosuchus palpebrosus
The dwarf caimans of the Zoological Park of Paris belong to a forest species of French Guiana, Paleosuchus palpebrosus.
Distinctive features
Caiman, crocodile, alligator and gharial belong to the same group but are different species that do not live on the same continents. Caimans and alligators have broad heads and U-shaped snouts, while crocodiles have thinner, V-shaped snouts.
The Museum's action to protect the dwarf caiman
The Paris Zoological Park is taking part in in situ research projects on several caimans in French Guiana. For example, a study is being carried out in French Guiana in the Nouragues reserve to analyse the structure and genetic diversity of this population, and to study their behaviour and biology. We are also measuring their mercury contamination, as they are at the end of the food chain, concentrating toxic elements and therefore acting as indicators of water quality.
