Broad-snouted caiman

Caiman latirostris

In the broad-snouted caiman, sex is determined by the ambient temperature whilst the egg is developing: at lower temperatures, predominantly female juveniles emerge, whilst at higher temperatures, predominantly male juveniles emerge.

Red List

Least Concern

The broad-snouted caiman lives in small, hierarchically organised groups. Older males in particular enjoy certain privileges within the group. The females must submit to the males.

During reproduction, the female builds a mound nest, sometimes together with her mate or other females. The decaying material in the nest acts like a compost heap and provides warmth for the eggs.

The temperature in the nest influences the sex of the juveniles. At temperatures of approximately 28 to 30°C, the juveniles develop into females, whilst at temperatures of approximately 31 to 33°C, they develop into males.

Shortly before hatching, the mother opens the nest and helps the young to hatch. After hatching, the juveniles are about 24 centimetres long and weigh around 40 grams. This makes them easy prey for snakes and teju lizards. To ensure that as few of her juveniles as possible are eaten, the mother defends her offspring fiercely.

The father is also thought to play a part in the offspring rearing. However, little research has yet been carried out into the social behaviour of broad-snouted caimans in the wild.