Populations Status of Caiman yacare and Caiman latirostris in North Argentina

PIÑA, C.I.; SIROSKI, P.; PRINCIPE, G.; SIMONCINI ,M.

Crocodilia

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Lugar: Australia; Año: 2010

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In the past, caiman populations were utilized without a solid foundation of knowledge on the biology or status of the populations.Fortunately, this situation has changed, and today, detailed studies are conducted to provide data to underpin sustainable use programs. InArgentina, it is a requirement for ranching programs that monitoring of wild populations in each Province be undertaken. Here, we present resultsof surveys carried out in 2007 in Formosa and Salta Provinces, and in 2008 in Corrientes Province. In the three Provinces, wild populationsappear healthy, with higher densities in Formosa Province (up to 144 ind.km-1). In Salta Province, we found principally C. latirostris. InFormosa Province, results were more variable, with locations with abundant populations of C. latirostris and some others with higher densitiesof C. yacare. In Corrientes Province, C. latirostris was found in the southwest, C. yacare in the northeast, and both species were distributed inthe northwest. The surveys indicate higher densities of both C. latirostris and C. yacare than reported in 1991/92 and 1999/2000.