Growth-rates of black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), and the recruitment of breeders in hunted caiman populations
Biological Conservation
1991
Journal Article
55
1
103-113
Parque Nacional del Manu Cocha Cashu animals reptiles caimans black caimans spectacled caimans Melanosuchus niger Caiman crocodilus animal behavior hunting oxbow lakes aquatic habitats small spatial scales growth ecology Madre de Dios Bibliography
Hunted populations of black caiman Melanosuchus niger are unable to persist, but many hunted populations of spectacled caiman Caiman crocodilus appear to be maintaining their numbers. Previous authors explained these observations by noting that black and spectacled caiman differ in the length of time that individuals are highly vulnerable to hunting before they reach sexual maturity. This time period is believed to be long for black caiman, making recruitment of breeders difficult, but short for spectacled caiman, making recruitment of breeders relatively easy. Data on the growth rates of 16 black caiman and two spectacled caiman in an oxbow lake in Peru support this explanation. Furthermore, these data provide preliminary evidence that black caiman populations are even more vulnerable to extinction from hunting than previously thought.