Image and text by Juan Rafael Bolaños-Montero.

Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodylus) in Costa Rica where it is known locally as “guajipal”. Ranging from Oaxaca and Chiapas, in Mexico, south through Central America and into northern South America, C. crocodylus is known to show behavioral and morphological variants throughout its distribution. Caiman crocodylus occupies swamps, lagoons, reservoirs, small creeks, and large river meanders where it attains a maximum total length of 2.8 m but most individuals rarely exceed 2 m in total length. Reproduction extends from the end of the dry season in February and March through June and July.