Caimans in Kabalebo: Smooth-fronted caiman!

The Smooth-fronted Caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) is a common well-camouflaged reptile in Kabalebo.

Just like the Spectacled caiman, the Smooth-fronted Caiman is a frequently seen reptile in Kabalebo. A semi aquatic predator, meaning that it lives near the water. 

Most of the time I have seen small Smooth-fronted caimans of 1.35/1.40 m. At the Moi Moi waterfall I have seen an adult sample of at least 1.55 m. Usually they are pretty laid back minding their own business. The moment they feel that they are being disturbed they unexpectedly dash into the deep, diving away to safety.

Unlike the Spectacled Caiman the Smooth-fronted caiman has a … smoother front head. During the day they are motionless laying on the river edge, but still 100% alert of their surroundings. They are nighttime hunters looking for all kind of aquatic living creatures .. from snails, frogs, fish all the way to small snakes. 

They are common predators found in countries like Peru, Venezuela, Columbia, Brazil and the Guyana's (Guyana, Suriname and French-Guyana)

As they are semi aquatic predators they live close to forest streams, small rivers and creeks. In Kabalebo I have seen them most of the time at Sandcreek, Kabalebo river and the Moi Moi waterfall. 

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Spectacled caiman