| Photo Information |
Copyright: Yvonne Becker (smash2707)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 58 W: 0 N: 58]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (274) |
| Genre: Animals |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2006-12-28 |
| Categories: Reptiles |
| Camera: Canon Powershot S3 IS |
| Exposure: f/3.5, 1/80 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2006-12-29 10:17 |
| Viewed: 1253 |
| Points: 4 |
|
| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Yesterday, I went to the Parque del Este, a large park in Caracas full of various vegetation and a small zoo. People come here to jog, to play soccer or do tai-chi, among other sports activities, to take a nap or ride some paddle boats or simply to enjoy nature.
Among the animals exhibited, there are some "caimanes de la costa" or crocodylus acutus (also known as American crocodile, Cocodrilo americano, Crocodile d'Amérique, Caimán de Aguja, Central American alligator, Cocodrilo de Rio, Crocodile à museau pointu, Lagarto Amarillo, Lagarto Real, Llaman Caimán, South American alligator, American saltwater crocodile).
HABITAT:
Both freshwater (including river, lakes and reservoirs) and brackish coastal habitats (including tidal estuaries, coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps). A large population is present in Lago Enriquillo (Dominican Republic), a landlocked hyper-saline lake. Crocodiles in these conditions osmoregulate primarily by drinking available freshwater. Possibly the most unusual location is a population which occupies the brackish water cooling canals at the Turkey Point nuclear power plant in Florida. This species also constructs long burrows for aestivation and as a retreat from adverse conditions. Considerable overland distances can also be travelled in search of new habitats.
STATUS:
CITES: Appendix I
IUCN Red List: VU A1ac (VULNERABLE)
Estimated wild population: 10,000 to 20,000
Summary: Gradually recovering in the US, but relatively poor survey data in Central and South America indicate some populations stable but others declining.
APPEARANCE:
One of the larger crocodilian species. Males typically reach 5 metres, with reports of 6 and even 7 metre animals (unconfirmed). Dorsal armour is irregular and much reduced in comparison with other species. There is a distinctive swelling in front of each eye, visible in all except the hatchlings. Juveniles are lighter coloured (light tan) than more mature animals, with banding on the body and tail. Adults take on an olive brown colour. Iris is silvery.
DENTITION:
5 pre-maxillary; 13-15 maxillary; 15 mandibular
Total no. of teeth = 66-68
DIET:
Primarily fish, and other aquatic species including turtles and crabs. Also takes birds. Feeds primarily at night. Juveniles take small fish and invertebrates. Often blamed for the disappearance of domestic animals in more populated areas. Occasional reports of attacks on humans, but authenticated records are very rare.
For additional information, please check at http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cacu.htm
INFORMATION ON THE SHOT
I just caught these two in the same ahot. This is my fist attempt at animal shots. I cropped the original shot where one of the caimanes could be seen completely, because I liked this composition better. I sharpened a bit, increased contrast slightly, resized and added the frame. |
SkyF has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes. |
|
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2233 W: 188 N: 1929]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(8127)![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 376 W: 16 N: 495]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(1861)