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Caiman Lizard

Dracaena Guianensis

Last updated: January 3, 2021
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff

One of the largest lizards in America!

Continue Reading after the facts...


Caiman Lizard Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Teiidae
Genus
Dracaena
Scientific Name
Dracaena Guianensis

Caiman Lizard Conservation Status

  • Least Concern

Caiman Lizard Locations

  • Central-America
  • South-America
Caiman Lizard Locations

Caiman Lizard Facts

Main Prey
Insects, Fish, Crabs
Distinctive Feature
Forked tongue and powerful tail
Habitat
Rainforest and swampland
Predators
Jaguar, Large Snakes, Humans
Diet
Carnivore
Lifestyle
  • Solitary
Favorite Food
Insects
Type
Reptile
Average Clutch Size
6
Slogan
One of the largest lizards in America!

Caiman Lizard Physical Characteristics

Colour
  • Brown
  • Grey
  • Yellow
  • Black
  • Tan
Skin Type
Scales
Top Speed
10 mph
Lifespan
10 - 30 years
Weight
1.4kg - 2.7kg (3lbs - 6lbs)
Length
60cm - 121cm (2ft - 4ft)

Caiman Lizard Images

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The caiman lizard is a medium sized species of lizard, natively found in the jungles of South America. The caiman lizard is powerfully built and is one of the largest lizard species on the American continent.

The caiman lizard can be found inhabiting the rainforest and swampland areas of South America in the countries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. Caiman lizards are most commonly spotted in areas which are flooded as they are very aquatic creatures.

The caiman lizard is a large and powerfully built lizard that is known to grow up to 120 centimetres from its snout to the tip of its tail. Today, there is only one species of caiman lizard found in South America which is the Northern caiman lizard.

As the caiman lizard spends most of its time either in or around the water, the body of the caiman lizard has adapted in ways which help it to live an aquatic lifestyle more successfully. The best example of this is the long, flattened tail of the caiman lizard which helps to steer it while swimming.

Caiman lizards are large carnivorous predators that only hunt other animals in order to gain their nutrients. Snails are the primary source of food for the caiman lizard along with other invertebrates such as insects and crabs, and occasionally larger animals such as fish, rodents and amphibians.

Due to its relatively large size and part water, part tree-dwelling lifestyle, caiman lizards have limited predators within their natural environment. Large predatory mammals including jaguars are known to hunt the caiman lizard along with other large reptiles including snakes and crocodiles.

Although little is known about the reproduction of the caiman lizard, they are thought to behave in a similar way to other large lizard species. After mating, female caiman lizards will lay their eggs into a hole in the riverbank which they cover up to protect them from hungry predators. When the baby caiman lizards hatch, they are completely independent as there is no prenatal care from the caiman lizard parents.

Today, although the caiman lizard is not considered to be a species that is under immediate threat from extinction, the caiman lizard populations have been declining in specific areas, mainly due to habitat loss often caused by high levels of pollution and deforestation.

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Caiman Lizard FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Are Caiman Lizards herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores?

Caiman Lizards are Carnivores, meaning they eat other animals.

What Kingdom do Caiman Lizards belong to?

Caiman Lizards belong to the Kingdom Animalia.

What phylum to Caiman Lizards belong to?

Caiman Lizards belong to the phylum Chordata.

What phylum to Caiman Lizards belong to?

Caiman Lizards belong to the phylum Chordata.

What family do Caiman Lizards belong to?

Caiman Lizards belong to the family Teiidae.

What order do Caiman Lizards belong to?

Caiman Lizards belong to the order Squamata.

What genus do Caiman Lizards belong to?

Caiman Lizards belong to the genus Dracaena.

What type of covering do Caiman Lizards have?

Caiman Lizards are covered in Scales.

In what type of habitat do Caiman Lizards live?

Caiman Lizards live in rainforests and swamplands.

What is the main prey for Caiman Lizards?

Caiman Lizards prey on insects, fish, and crabs.

What are some predators of Caiman Lizards?

Predators of Caiman Lizards include jaguars, large snakes, and humans.

What are some distinguishing features of Caiman Lizards?

Caiman Lizards have forked tongues and powerful tails.

How many eggs do Caiman Lizards lay?

Caiman Lizards typically lay 6 eggs.

What is an interesting fact about Caiman Lizards?

Caiman Lizards are one of the largest lizards in America!

How to say Caiman Lizard in ...
English
Caiman lizard
French
Dracaena (lézard)
Latin
Dracaena
Dutch
Dracaena (hagedis)
Polish
Dracaena (Teiidae)
Sources
  1. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2011) Animal, The Definitive Visual Guide To The World's Wildlife
  2. Tom Jackson, Lorenz Books (2007) The World Encyclopedia Of Animals
  3. David Burnie, Kingfisher (2011) The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia
  4. Richard Mackay, University of California Press (2009) The Atlas Of Endangered Species
  5. David Burnie, Dorling Kindersley (2008) Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Animals
  6. Dorling Kindersley (2006) Dorling Kindersley Encyclopedia Of Animals

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