Climatic effects on the reproductive biology of Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae)

SIMONCINI, M; PIÑA C; CRUZ F; LARRIERA A

AMPHIBIA-REPTILIA

BRILL ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS

Lugar: Leiden; Año: 2011

0173-5373

Reproductive aspects, like number of nests produced per season or clutch size (number ofeggs per nest), of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) may be affected by a climatic variablessuch as rainfall and temperature. The success of caiman reproduction is not only affected by theamount of rainfall, but also by the time elapsed during which it takes place. In this study, we presentevidence of a positive relationship between the number of nests produced and the amount ofprecipitation on the water heads ("Bajos submeridionales") during March. Surprisingly, there was nota significant relationship when considering local rainfall and temperature. During one event of El Niñophenomena the number of caiman´s nests was the highest in eight years of monitoring, besides aremarkable low number of nests were produced during La Niña. There was not a significantrelationship between clutch size and rainfall or temperature. This information is useful for theranching programs, because managers will be able to estimate, nine months in advance, the number ofnests for harvesting. Another positive aspect is that this information can be used to establish nests´searching strategies, and number of eggs to incubate and hatchlings to raise. Thus, this will helpplanning management strategies in support of conservation efforts for the species during extremeclimatic events.