Caiman Lizard(Dracaena guianesis)
Caiman Lizards are aquatic and terrestrial. They have powerful jaws, and use them to crush shelled insects, and then extract the soft parts using their flat, rounded teeth. Young caiman lizards may be eaten by birds and larger mammals. The name “caiman” comes from their appearance, which resembles the caiman alligators of South America. Heavily hunted for the reptile leather trade, hundreds of thousands of these lizards are killed each year for their skin.
The Caiman Lizard lives primarily in low swamps and flooded forests, often resting on roots or branches hanging over the water. If disturbed or threatened, the lizard will drop into the water and quickly swim away. The lizard has a laterally flattened tail that helps it to swim through the water. The whiplike tail is also used for defense, it can deliver a powerful blow to any would be predator. The Caiman Lizard's tongue is forked, and is used to enhance its ability to smell and locate prey. They reproduce sexually, laying fertilized eggs.[COLOR=purple]