Habitat: Slow-moving rivers; backwaters of rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps

Size: Shares the title of the smallest of the Caiman species with most adults reaching less than 5 feet in length. Rarely adults reach 6+ feet. Record is reported at 7’ 8”  On average is slightly larger than Cuvier's Dwarf Caiman

Status: Estimates place the wild populations in excess of 1,000,000.  Extensive captive populations worldwide supported by large annual exports for both zoos and the pet trade. 

Rain Forest Facts: Large bony plates called osteoderms are found in a very high number on the smaller species of Caiman, this fact alone may be the primary reason their numbers having remained relatively high compared to historical numbers.  The skin is of little value compared to other species of crocodilians, thus significantly reducing poaching for their hides. 

Working against the Dwarf Caiman is it’s breeding requirements; it appears most females must be at least 8-10 years old to breed and produce a small number of eggs relative to the larger species.  On average a female may lay only 10-12 eggs per season.  These factors may play a key roll in the caimans future in the event loss of habitat or other external factors begin to significantly reduce the populations of these animals. .

One additional interesting note concerning the reproductive habits of this species is the divergence from the normal 70-80 day incubation period noted in virtually all species of crocodilians.  The dwarf caiman can require as long as 120 days for incubation, this difference is little understood.