Alligatorids (Alligatoridae) are a family of reptiles belonging to the Crocodilia group . They include the Alligator and the Caiman and are currently represented by various living species in the Americas and a species present in China. Alligators differ from crocodiles in the head , wider and shorter, with a more obtuse muzzle. Other features concern the legs , less webbed than in crocodiles, and a particular intolerance to salinity. In Central and South America, the alligator family is represented by caimans, which differ from alligators in the absence of a nasal bone septum . The ventral armor is made up of bone shields. Three kinds of caimans are recognized: Caiman, Paleosuchus and Melanosuchus.
The Paleosuchus palpebrosus , or Dwarf Caiman , is perhaps the smallest alligator specimen existing on the face of the earth. Generally, as an adult, it does not exceed 1.5 meters. in length with a maximum weight of about 15 kg, the females are generally smaller and less heavy. The dwarf caiman is a reptile belonging to the Alligatoridae family. The body is covered with bone plates. The mouth of the dwarf caiman is provided with about 80 teeth and a jaw with enormous strength. The females of dwarf caimans lay about 15 eggs at a time during the rainy season, in embankments. The incubation period varies from 90 to 92 days. The range of the dwarf caiman extends to South America, where it prefers flooded forests and stagnant pools. Currently, approximately 1,000,000 specimens are estimated in nature. For this reason this species was declared CITES in 1973.
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