The black caiman, which can grow up to 5 meters long, is indeed a top predator in the Amazon. They are known to consume almost anything, including humans if food sources are scarce.
The black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) is an intriguing and formidable resident of the Amazon rainforest. Essentially, they will consume almost anything they can catch. Growing up to 5 meters long, the black caiman is the largest member of the alligator family (Alligatoridae). Their dark greenish skin helps them blend into the murky waters of the Amazon at night. They inhabit several countries within the Amazon Basin, including Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and possibly Venezuela.
In a study published in the journal PLOS One in 2019, expert Stephane Caut from the Donana Biological Station in Spain, along with colleagues, tagged 75 black caimans in French Guiana to gain a deeper understanding of their diet. They found that fish comprised the majority of the black caiman’s diet. However, they also consumed a significant amount of water birds and mammals. Although not listed in the study, these prey species may include animals such as deer, peccaries, and tapirs.
Furthermore, there is evidence suggesting that black caimans prey on jaguars and green anacondas, two other species often considered apex predators in the Amazon. Green anacondas, jaguars, and black caimans compete for the top position in the food chain. While it has been documented that black caimans consume anaconda
Humans can also be on their menu when food is scarce. In February 2010, an 11-year-old girl was attacked by a 4.21-meter-long black caiman while swimming with her friends in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. When police and firefighters arrived, they couldn’t find the girl or the caiman. It wasn’t until around 8 p.m. that the caiman reappeared with the victim still in its jaws. The girl had died, and the caiman was later shot dead.
“Alligator species approach prey stealthily, then launch a sudden attack and swallow small prey whole. If the target is large, it will be dragged into deep water and drowned. Then, the alligator holds the prey under the riverbed or the prey remains stuck in its jaws for a while (still submerged), waiting for softening and decomposition. After that, the alligator tears the prey into smaller pieces with body rotations, swallowing all parts whole because its teeth are not suitable for chewing,” the study stated.
In past decades, black caimans have been classified as near-threatened in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Their decline stems from illegal hunting, not just for their meat but also for their prized skin in the fashion industry. Fortunately, scientists believe they have undergone significant recovery in some areas. However, the IUCN notes that more data on the conservation status of this species is still needed.
