Title
Distribution of Caiman crocodilus crocodilus and Caiman yacare populations in Brazil
Author(s)
Brazaitis, P; Rebelo, GH; Yamashita, C
Published
1998
Publisher
Amphibia Reptilia
Abstract
The distribution and relationships among populations of Caiman crocodilus crocodilus and Caiman yacare were investigated throughout Brazil. Caiman c. crocodilus inhabits the drainages of the Rio Solimoes/Rio Amazonas, Araguaia, Araguari, Itapicuru, Paranaiba, Negro, Tapajos, Tocantins, Xingu, and the rivers draining to the Atlantic Ocean on the northern coast of Brazil. It does not occur in the Rio Sao Francisco. Caiman yacare is endemic to the Rio Mamore, Rio Guapore, Rio Paraguai and Rio Parana river systems and all of their lowland drainages. The northernmost limit for C. yacare lies between Costa Marques (12 degrees 25'S, 64 degrees 10'W) and Guajara Mirim, Pacaas Novos on the Rio Mamore (10 degrees 55'S, 65 degrees 15'W). Small populations of apparently hybrid individuals were observed in the upper Rio AcrB, the Rio Abuna, the upper Rio Madeira, and the Rio Mamore between Guajara Mirim and Abuna. Caiman c. crocodiles and C. yacare populations are geologically separated and morphologically distinct. The taxonomic recognition of Caiman species with overlapping distributions in the states of Mate Grosso and Mate Grosso do Sul appears to be without merit.
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PUB11654