First successful propogation of Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman, Paleosuchus trigonatus
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Published source details
Jardine D.R. (1981) First successful propogation of Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman, Paleosuchus trigonatus. Herpetological Review, 12, 58-60.
Published source details Jardine D.R. (1981) First successful propogation of Schneider's smooth-fronted caiman, Paleosuchus trigonatus. Herpetological Review, 12, 58-60.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Crocodilians Action Link |
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Crocodilians
A study in 1966–1979 in Ohio, USA (Jardine 1981) reported that Schneider's smooth-fronted caimans Paleosuchus trigonatus bred successfully in captivity after 13 years. In 1979, a female produced a clutch of 17 eggs, six of which hatched successfully after 115–118 days of incubation. One hatchling died after two weeks, and the other five survived at least three months. In 1975, a clutch was laid but the eggs rolled into the water and were broken. In 1966–1967, a juvenile pair of caimans were acquired and housed together in a circular pool with a concrete island along with several other crocodilians. After the clutch was lost in 1975, the pair were moved to a new enclosure with dense vegetation and a pool of water. Water temperatures ranged from 21–27°C and air temperatures were 21°C in winter and followed ambient temperatures in summer. Eggs were moved to a Styrofoam container, covered with peat moss and incubated at 29–31°C and 92–100% humidity. After 112 days of incubation, eggs were uncovered, moved gently and a grunting call was made to simulate actions by an adult.
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
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