RANGE Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
HABITAT Mangroves, marshes and swamps
DIET Insects and crustaceans when small; water snails, fish, mammals, and birds as it grows
This species is also known as the broad-nosed caiman. It has an extremely short snout; the snout is nearly as wide at the eyes as it is long.
Adults are pale olive green; older animals are nearly black. Juveniles are brownish olive, with dark stripes on the back and dark blotches on the head and sides of the lower jaw.
The broad-snouted caiman is a mound-nesting species. Eggs are laid in two layers, separated by vegetation.
Habitat destruction is currently the greatest threat to this species. It was exploited for its hide, which yields a high-grade leather, especially in the middle 20th century.
