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BROAD-NOSED CAIMAN Caiman latirostris
The Broad-nosed Caiman can immediately be recognised by his blunt, round-ended snout making him look smal´-headed. This comparison can be made directly in Fig 1 with the Broad-nosed in the centre of the picture, whilst the longer-nosed Spectacled Caiman are in the background. This species is most frequently encountered in the Low Chaco, and you may be surprised to hear that water snails form a major part of its diet! They are commonly found on temporary pools, being forced to undertake local migrations as they dry up.
Click on the images to enlarge them.
FIGURE 1

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2

FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3

FIGURE 3
FIGURE 1 - (FPREP37PH) Adult with Spectacled Caiman in background - Zoologico Juan XXIII, Departamento Itapúa (Paul Smith June 2007).
FIGURE 2 - (FPREP38PH) Same individual head detail (Paul Smith June 2007).
FIGURE 3 - (FPREP39PH) Same individual showing pattern of dorsal head scales (Paul Smith June 2007).