Demographic and growth analysis of broad snouted
caiman (Caiman latirostris) in a disturbed environment in
southeastern Brazil

Passos, L; Coutinho, M; Young, RJ

Abstract

Crocodilian life history traits exhibit strong size and age dependence, which is determined, ultimately, by how fast individuals
grow. Crocodilian population dynamics are dependent on environmental conditions such as local temperatures and hydrology.
From February 2010 to October 2011 we conducted monthly spotlight surveys to study a broad-snouted caiman population
at the Três Marias Hydro-electric Reservoir, southeast Brazil. A total of 12 spotlight surveys were conducted (17.3 to 48.0 km
in length), and animals were captured, measured and marked whenever possible. Data were obtained on population size, sex
structure, survival, distribution and growth. The number of caimans counted, including hatchlings, varied from 6 to 78 per
survey. Marked individuals showed a growth rate that varied between 0.0 and 0.3 cm*day-1 SVL, and between -6.0 and 8.0
g*day-1 body mass. Polyphasic growth was associated with rainfall and water level, which in turn were associated with changes
in temperature and diet. The species seems to be resistant to the ecological impacts of damming, an important conservation
conclusion considering the large number of hydroelectric dams within the species’ range in Brazil.

Citation

southeastern Brazil. Herpetological journal, 24(4), 223-228

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jan 20, 2015
• Journal: Herpetological Journal
• Print ISSN: 0268-0130
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 24
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 223-228
• Publisher URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bhs/thj
• Related Public URLs: http://www.thebhs.org/index.php?option=com_docman&Itemid=2
• Additional Information: Funders : CNPq;CAPES;FAPEMIG;IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group