Skip to main content
Close

Northern Caiman Lizard

Dracaena guianensis

Photo by KristaHerman
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

39.7502, -104.95

Field Notes

Description:

The Caiman Lizard is built with a large heavy set body and short but powerful limbs. Its head is bulky and often a red or orange color. Their jaws are heavily muscular to help aid in eatting its normal prey of snails, crawfish and fresh water clams. It also has a few adaptaions that help it in its watery habitat. It has a long and flattened tail, similar to its name sake, the Caiman. The long tail helps the Caiman Lizard to successfully swim and dive. It also has a clear third eyelid which is thought to act like a pair of goggles underwater.

Habitat:

This species can be found in the countries of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Guyana. It lives in swampy habitats and other wooded areas which are flooded. It is mostly aquatic and is an excellent climber. It spends most of it's time basking on branches overhanging the waterways so that if trouble was to arise it would be a quick drop into the safety of the water.
He lives in the Denver Zoo

Notes:

I love this guy, he is so photogenic. I need to figure out what he is.

Species ID Suggestions

Northern Caiman Lizard

Dracaena guianensis

Comments (4)

Thank you for the ID Suggestion AliceGreenup. I am excited to know what he is.
Thank you. I never leave the zoo without paying him a visit. He makes for beautiful photos.

Spotted for Missions

Photographed
PublishedJanuary 26, 2012

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Image
Butterflies icon

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon