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Introduction

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Selected reptile type

A caiman (/ˈkeɪmən/; also cayman as a variant spelling from Taíno kaiman^{[additional citation(s) needed]}) is an alligatorid belonging to the subfamily Caimaninae, one of two primary lineages within the Alligatoridae family, the other being alligators. Caimans are native to Central and South America and inhabit marshes, swamps, lakes, and mangrove rivers. They have scaly skin and live a fairly nocturnal existence. They are relatively small-sized crocodilians with an average maximum weight of 6 to 40 kg (13 to 88 lb) depending on species, with the exception of the black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), which can grow more than 4 m (13 ft) in length and weigh in excess of 1,000 kg (2,200 Ib). The black caiman is the largest caiman species in the world and is found in the slow-moving rivers and lakes that surround the Amazon basin. The smallest species is the Cuvier's dwarf caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus), which grows to 1.2 to 1.5 m (3.9 to 4.9 ft) long. There are six different species of caiman found throughout the watery jungle habitats of Central and Southern America. The average length for most of the other caiman species is about 2 to 2.5 m (6.6 to 8.2 ft) long.

Caimans are distinguished from alligators, their closest relatives, by a few defining features: a lack of a bony septum between the nostrils, ventral armor composed of overlapping bony scutes formed from two parts united by a suture, and longer and sharper teeth than alligators, plus caimans tend to be more agile and crocodile-like in their movements. The calcium rivets on caiman scales make their hides stiffer.

Several extinct forms are known, including Purussaurus, a giant Miocene genus that grew to 12 m (39 ft) and the equally large Mourasuchus, which had a wide duck-like snout. (Full article...)

Selected Crocodilia article

The black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) is a crocodilian reptile endemic to South America. With a maximum length of around 5 to 6 m (16 to 20 ft) and a mass of over 450 kg (1,000 lb), it is the largest living species of the family Alligatoridae, and the third-largest crocodilian in the Neotropical realm. True to its common and scientific names, the black caiman has a dark greenish-black coloration as an adult. In some individuals, the pigmentation can appear almost jet-black. It has grey to brown banding on the lower jaw; juveniles have a more vibrant coloration compared to adults, with prominent white-pale yellow banding on the flanks that remains present well into adulthood (more than most other species). The banding on young animals helps with camouflage by breaking up their body outline, on land or in water, in an effort to avoid predation. The morphology is quite different from other caimans but the bony ridge that occurs in other caimans is present. The head is large and heavy, an advantage in catching larger prey. Like all crocodilians, caimans are long, squat creatures, with big jaws, long tails and short legs. They have thick, scaled skin, and their eyes and noses are located on the tops of their heads. This enables them to see and breathe while the rest of their bodies are underwater.

A carnivorous animal, the black caiman lives along freshwater habitats, including slow-moving rivers, lakes and seasonally flooded savannas, where it preys upon a variety of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Being an apex predator and potentially a keystone species, it is generalist, capable of taking most animals within its range, and might have played a critical role in maintaining structure of the ecosystem. Although merely few specific ecological studies have been conducted, it is observed that this species has its own niche which allows coexistence with other competitors.

Reproduction takes place in the dry season. Females build a nest mound with an egg chamber, protecting the eggs from predators. Hatchlings form groups called pods, guarded by the presence of the female. These pods may contain individuals from other nests. Once common, it was hunted to near extinction primarily for its commercially valuable hide. It is now making a comeback, listed as Conservation Dependent. Overall a little-known species, it was not researched in any detail until the 1980s, when the leather-trade had already taken its toll. It is a dangerous species to humans, and attacks have occurred in the past. (Full article...)

Selected lizard article

Female, Cologne Zoological Garden

Brachylophus bulabula, commonly known as the Central Fijian Banded Iguana is a species of iguanid lizard endemic to some of the larger central and northwestern islands of Fiji (Ovalau, Kadavu and Viti Levu), where it occurs in Fijian wet forest. It was described by a team led by a scientist from the Australian National University in 2008. It is one of the few species of iguana found outside of the New World and one of the most geographically isolated members of the family Iguanidae. Initially also reported from Gau Island, in 2017 this population was described as a separate species, B. gau. They can grow up to 2 feet long and have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. However, there have been some captive Fiji banded iguanas that have lived as long as 25 years. Fijian banded iguana typically are found in tropical wet islands that are typically 650-1700 feet above sea level. They also like to bask in temperatures ranging from 75–95 °F (24–35 °C). The areas that are most suitable for Fiji banded iguanas are Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Ovalau, Viwa, and Kadavu. Males are typically are green with blue stripes and the females are green with white stripes. (Full article...)

Selected turtle article

The painted wood turtle or spot-legged wood turtle (Rhinoclemmys punctularia) is a species of turtle belonging to the genus Rhinoclemmys of the family Geoemydidae. (Full article...)

Picture slideshow

Image 1Barracudasauroides
Image 2Green sea turtle
Image 3Gold dust day gecko
Image 4Asian vine snake Ahaetulla prasina. This snake has a wide distribution in Asia. It feeds on small reptiles and amphibians, particularly lizards and tree frogs. Adults may attain 1.8 m (6 feet) in total length, with a tail 0.6 m (2 feet) long. Its appearance is very much like those of South American vine snakes. It is a rear-fanged species and is mildly venomous but is not considered a threat to humans.
Image 5Leiocephalus personatus
Image 6Eastern bearded dragon
Image 7Vipera xanthina
Image 8Marginated tortoise hatchling
Image 9Phelsuma grandis
Image 10Morelia spilota
Image 11Cape skink - Trachylepis capensis. Close-up on purple Aster flowers.
Image 12Vipera dinniki
Image 13Aldabra giant tortoise
Image 14Bosc's fringe-toed lizards during courtship
Image 15White-headed dwarf gecko
Image 16Rough chameleon
Image 17Eastern long-necked turtle
Image 18Bothriechis schlegelii
Image 19Indian chameleon
Image 20Green sea turtle
Image 21Carolina anole
Image 22Plestiodon fasciatus
Image 23Ladder snake
Image 24A green sea turtle swimming above a coral reef.
Image 25Gold dust day gecko close-up
Image 26Green sea turtle
Image 27Dwarf yellow-headed gecko
Image 28Australian water dragon
Image 29Mexican beaded lizard
Image 30Cerastes cerastes
Image 31Trachylepis striata
Image 32Common box turtle
Image 33Anole at Polychrotinae
Image 34Italian wall lizard
Image 35Marine iguana
Image 36Plumed basilisk
Image 37Namaqua chameleon
Image 38Common collared lizard
Image 39Mwanza flat-headed rock agama
Image 40Jackson's chameleon
Image 41Sicilian wall lizard
Image 42Thamnophis elegans terrestris at Western terrestrial garter snake
Image 43Red-headed Amazon River turtles
Image 44Gold dust day gecko
Image 45 Albino alligator
Image 46Yacare caiman
Image 47Sinai agama
Image 48Species of Ceratopsia dinosaurs
Image 49Trachylepis maculilabris mating
Image 50Niveoscincus metallicus
Image 51Steneosaurus
Image 52Leiocephalus carinatus
Image 53Namaqua chameleon

Selected snake article

Adult southern hog-nosed snake

Heterodon simus, commonly known as the southern hog-nosed snake, is a harmless snake species endemic to the southeastern United States. No subspecies are currently recognized. (Full article...)