An adult would need one that is at least 18 to 24 inches long, 12-plus inches wide and a minimum of 8 to 10 inches tall. Although it does not possess a mouth full of sharp teeth such as its crocodilian namesake, the incredible power of the lizard’s strong jaw muscles can help this species to deliver a painful bite. There are several different heating elements that may be used to maintain a proper thermal gradient in a caiman lizard enclosure.
And you'll never see this message again. This practice may not be a significant threat to the wild population, but research is needed to determine whether hunting practices are sustainable for the caiman lizard's local populations, as well as to understand this animal's status in the wild and its response to anthropogenic change. A water source, with a large surface area and the addition of live plants, will also increase humidity. It’s never quite the same after that first one, is it? All contents © 2020 The Slate Group LLC. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, caiman lizards eat mealworms, omnivore diet, snails and crawfish. Reduce, reuse and recycle — in that order! They often grow up to 120 centimeters from snout to tail. Hatchlings are born independent, requiring no prenatal care. Here's everything you need to know before you visit. You can cancel anytime. Do not obtain one unless you have thoroughly researched and are able to provide it with proper care. Caiman lizards are excellent swimmers and should be able to fully submerge themselves in water. The caiman lizard is a semi-aquatic species named for its large, heavy scales that resemble those of the caiman crocodile. It swims much like a crocodile, by undulating from side to side and tucking its short legs in close to the body. In the past, the caiman lizard was heavily hunted for its skin, but since protection was provided in the 1970s, export has dropped and it is no longer considered to be under the threat of extinction.
The Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute is a leader in giant panda conservation, advancing conservation efforts around the world. Slate relies on advertising to support our journalism. A pair of caiman lizards housed at Zoo Med Labs lives in this custom enclosure inside a greenhouse. Covered in large bony scales, the skin of a caiman lizard resembles that of a caiman, its crocodilian namesake. The caiman lizard is not aggressive by nature, but if threatened, it is certainly armed to defend itself. Eventually, feeding became a two-person operation, with one distracting the lizards at one end of the enclosure with snails and feeding tongs while the other replaced the previous dish with a new dish of fresh food. Today, due to this species’ CITES Appendix II status, captive-bred specimens have become increasingly common, and keepers have enjoyed greater success in maintaining them. A large, high-quality aquarium filter can help keep water clean but will not eliminate the need for frequent water changes of at least once a week, and more likely, two to three times a week. Local, indigenous people also hunt caiman lizards for their meat. Provide adults a minimum water depth of 12 inches so they may practice natural swimming behaviors.