caiman

Everyday

1. A caiman is a reptile of the alligator family that lives in the rivers, lakes and swamps of Central and South America. tree →
2. Caimans have long jaws, tough scaly skin and are usually smaller than alligators and crocodiles, although the black caiman can grow very large. tree →

In the lessons

In science and geography lessons caimans come up in Amazon rainforest and wetland habitats and food chains: they eat fish, birds and small mammals, and are hunted by jaguars and anacondas. Pupils compare crocodiles, alligators and caimans: caimans have a bony ridge between their eyes, like the frame of glasses (the spectacled caiman).

Examples

• A caiman floated in the river with only its eyes showing. tree →
• Caimans live in South America. tree →
• The jaguar caught a caiman on the riverbank. tree →
• The spectacled caiman has a ridge between its eyes like glasses. tree →
• A caiman is a relative of the alligator. tree →
• Caimans lay their eggs in nests of leaves. tree →
• The black caiman is the biggest caiman. tree →

Note

Plural «caimans». Also spelt «cayman», as in the Cayman Islands. Say «KAY-mun». Crocodiles, alligators and caimans are related but different reptiles.