3 Remarkable South American Reptiles

It’s our hope that each of you, our readers, will enjoy and appreciate this article we present about these 3 Remarkable South American Reptiles. It was certainly our very great pleasure to compile the information for you. May it provide you with both education and increased awareness.

These few species listed herein understandably represent only a portion of the natural wonders found throughout the region, though. Yet, it’s our belief that they serve as excellent representations of the wonders found here. Check out some of our many other articles for similar marvels.

Green Anaconda

Green Anaconda Facts

• Leading off this article about these 3 Remarkable South American Reptiles we give you the mammoth snake named the Green Anaconda.
• The descriptive term applied here serves as the most frequently used common name for this incredible product of evolution. That’s not the only general title it holds, though. Otherterms include such terms as giant anaconda, common water boa, and giant anaconda.
• Within the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps much better known by its purely technical moniker. Fortunately for all, that’s a much simpler tag for the layperson to pronounce than most such. The amazing animal holds the formal designation Eunectes murinus.
• This marvel of Nature and evolution received that appellation due to the efforts of Carl Linnaeus himself. The eminent Swedish biologist recorded the first recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species. He achieved that scientifically noteworthy feat in 1758.
• This extraordinary reptile stands out in the annals of herpetology for several reasons. It’s both the largest and heaviest known snake in the world. It’s also the second-longest known snake. The amazing creature additionally currently has no formally recognized subspecies.
• Thankfully, the remarkable Green Anaconda seems to be maintaining a population base that’s both stable and sufficient. This pleasant state further appears to hold true throughout the entirety of its range. The IUCN thus currently lists it as Least Concern on its Red List.
• Yet, it nevertheless should be considered as facing potential threats to its continued survival as a species. As holds true for all forms of life on earth today, most of these many perils stem from the actions of man. They include the dangers of both habitat loss and climate change.

Green Anaconda Physical Description

The incredible Green Anaconda represents a creation of evolution that generally mesmerizes those who encounter it, especially if that meeting occurs out in the wild. That statement holds true for several reasons, though. That’s because the reptile impresses in a wide variety of ways.

The first of those understandably happens to be its sheer size. In that regard, however, the animal follows a pattern common to many animals, including snakes. That’s in the fact that it displays a degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its case, that manifests physically.

More specifically, females of the species attain a significantly larger average size than their male counterparts. These occasionally reach lengths equaling an astounding 29 ft (8.8 m)! Most specimens, though, generally remain somewhere between 15 – 17 ft (4.5 – 5.2 m) in length.

Males, meanwhile, typically do not even come close to such magnificent measurements. For them, a mean total length measures somewhere between 9 – 13 ft (2.7 – 4.0 m). Though exceptional individuals sometimes occur, of course, even these rarely exceed these dimensions by much.

Likewise, the sexes also vary markedly in terms of weight, with the females being much heavier. For that gender, a mean mass equals around 150 – 250 lb (68 – 113 kg). Exceptional examples sometimes even reach 550 lb (250 kg). The male, though, only averages about 30 – 70 lb (13 – 32 kg).

Otherwise, the two genders present roughly the same general outward appearance to the observer. The body naturally develops as quite elongated, thick, especially among females, muscular, and cylindrical. The snake’s skin also has an extremely smooth texture, aiding in swimming.

The head of the mind-boggling reptile, however, evolved as relatively small compared to the body and usually comparatively slender, as well. It’s well-proportioned, though, with a slightly pointed snout. Both the eyes and nostrils developed as efficiently positioned on top of the head.

The color of the Green Anaconda also draws its own attention. Its base color consists of an olive-green shade. Dark, round blotches also appear, spread across the body. These usually show black or dark brown and manifest in two rows along the back, often with smaller spots on the sides.

Its mouth additionally contains sharp, backward-facing teeth to grasp prey and powerful jaws to swallow its victims whole. The scales on its underside uniquely evolved as relatively larger than other snakes, and keeled. This aids in moving across various terrains, including muddy riverbeds.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Boidae
• Genus: Eunectes
• Species: E. murinus

Green Anaconda Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The breathtaking Green Anaconda evolved as indigenous to a moderately broad expanse of the surface of the earth. The precise location of that zone of habitation, though, likely won’t surprise many people. That’s because it’s native to only very specific portions of South America.

Within the greater landmass, however, this natural marvel only appears in the general nothern sections of the continent. Its range includes Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, as well as the island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

The marvel of Nature displays an impressive degree of flexibility regarding its specific choice of habitat. All of these, though, do share certain very specific requirements. This remarkable snake indeed thrives in a truly wide variety of areas, provided they’re all wetland environments.

Slow-moving rivers typically comprise its primary choice for residency, however. Yet, despite the snake’s great size, it also appears in smaller streams. Swampy areas and marshlands also provide the creature with ideal conditions. It’s even well-adapted to seasonally flooded forested areas.

Not surprisingly, the mighty Green Anaconda evolved as a pure carnivore. In this respect, it’s a purely opportunistic feeder with a diet that includes a variety of prey. This frequently includes such mammalian fare as capybaras, deer, and peccaries, or birds straying too close to the water.

The completely indiscriminate feeder also consumes other reptiles. Given their great size, this sometimes even includes caimans and other large creatures. Though not a primary prey, it also consumes fish. In all cases, it typically acts as an ambush predator, relying on stealth for its meal.

Breeding generally occurs during the dry season, which lasts from April to May. Intriguingly, females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. The gestation period lasts about 6 -7 months, after which the female usually gives birth to 20 – 40 live young, though larger litters do sometimes occur.

Orinoco Crocodile

Orinoco Crocodile Facts

• Next up in this compilation of 3 Remarkable South American Reptiles is the powerful predator knoen as the Orinoco Crocodile.
• The most frequently used common name for this majestic creation of Nature and evolution remains that of the informative term we’ve chosen to use. Presently, the amazing work of Nature has no other broadly accepted general title, at least not within the english language.
• Within the scientific community, however, it’s perhaps much better known by its technical moniker. Despite its somewhat cumbersome length, though, that remains a relatively easy one for the layperson to pronounce. It holds the official epithet of Crocodylus intermedius.
• The highly impressive reptile received this specific appellation due to the efforts of M. L. Graves. The noted researcher accomplished the first official recognition of the animal as a separate and distinct species. That scientifically noteworthy deed occurred in the year 1819.
• No matter which of these designations one chooses to use, it’s nonetheless a magnificent species. Though lesser known than many of its relatives, most experts rank it as one of the largest of them. Herpetologists presently know of no subspecies of the animal, however.
• Sadly, though, the mighty Orinoco Crocodile presently holds a population base that’s both extremely small and apparently fragile. Though precise numbers remain undetermined, many estimates suggest that its surviving wild population totals no more than 250 individuals.
• The IUCN therefore lists the reptile as Critically Endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species. While legally protected, it nonetheless still faces multiple threats to its existence. Habitat loss due to human activities and the effects of climate change rank among these.

Orinoco Crocodile Physical Description

The fabulous Orinoco Crocodile immediately captivates those individuals lucky enough to see one of these marvels, especially in the wild. Yet, it does so for several reasons. That’s because this specific reptile qualifies as both a beautiful specimen and one possessed of respectable size.

Although few specimens today manage to attain the full potential growth of the species, these still reach remarkable measurements. Like many of its numerous relatives on earth, though, it displays a degree of the physiological characteristic of sexual dimorphism in regards to this aspect.

More precisely, the males of the species typically reach greater lengths and masses than their female counterparts. Today, larger specimens of this gender sometimes achieve head-to-tail totals equaling roughly 13 – 16 ft (4.1 – 4.8 m). Masses range from approximately 1,100 – 1,500 lb (499 – 680 kg).

Females, meanwhile, generally do not manage to grow quite so large. This sex of the amazing work of evolution rarely exceeds 10.7 ft (3.25 m) in total length now. The average full mass of this gender also accordingly measures notably less. This weight rarely totals more than 496 lb (225 kg).

But Nature designed the amazing crocodilain to present us with even more impressive statistics. Human culling of the animals for their skins prior to its receiving protected status slaughtered the largest specimens. Exceptional examples once attained alleged lengths of 22.2 ft (6.78 m).

Apart from size differences, however, the sexes of the intriguing Orinoco Crocodile present the same general physical appearance. Overall, the hide usually presents a somewhat light tan hue. Variations of this do occur, though, mainly including shades of dark brownish-gray and yellowish.

It’s also easily recognizable due to the distinctive shape of its snout. Compared to most of its many kindred, this feature develops as relatively long and narrow. Like those same relations, however, its legs evolved short yet powerful. Conversely, the tail develops as both strong and quite lengthy.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Crocodilia
• Family: Crocodylidae
• Genus: Crocodylus
• Species: C. intermedius

Orinoco Crocodile Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Regrettably, the majestic Orinoco Crocodile evolved as native to a highly limited portion of the earth’s surface. The very name of the stunning animal provides a clear clue to this range, in fact. That’s because it developed as endemic to a specific part of what’s now South America.

More precisely, given the title for the reptile, the remarkable animal appears within the confines of the Orinoco River Basin. For now, it’s only known inside the borders of Colombia and Venezuela. Evidence does, however, indicate that it once appeared across a significantly greater range.

This incredible reptile additionally evolved very specific preferences regarding its choice of habitat. This principally consists of various quiet lagoons within its zone of habitation. Scattered individuals do, however, sometimess appear in seasonal freshwater rivers located within the same region.

Based on evidence, though, many experts presently believe that it once inhabited numerous other ecosystems, as well. Those consisted of various riparian habitats. These included such diverse types as the waters of tropical forests to the rivers present at the foothills of the mighty Andes.

Just as with its many relatives across the globe, the Orinoco Crocodile evolved as carnivorous in nature. Few studies exist of its exact habits in this regard, however. The scant evidence currently available to researchers indicates that the majority of its diet consists of various large fish.

It also appears to be an entirely opportunistic hunter, though. Thus, virtually any living creature that comes within reach becomes a potential meal for the predator. Other known victims to its appetite include birds, mammals, such as monkeys and deer, invertebrates, and even other reptiles.

Mating for this species occurs during the dry season. At this time, they excavate burrows in the riverbanks. An average clutch of eggs numbers 40, with their incubation averaging about 3 months. While still undetermined for certain, an average lifespan in the wild is though to equal 70-80 years.

Mata mata

Mata mata Facts

• Closing out this gathering of 3 Remarkable South American Reptiles we present to you the incredible creature men call the Mata mata.
• The admittedly unique name actually represents one of several versions of the same common name. The others consist of mata-mata and matamata. Yet, it does possess several other general titles by which it’s known. These include the terms Fringe-heaed turtle and matamata.
• Within the scientific community, though, it’s perhaps much better known by its entirely technical designation. Thankfully, that’s an extremely easy one for the layperson to pronounce, at least compared to most such monikers. It holds the formal tag of Chelus fimbriata.
• Regardless of the name you choose to use to refer to the animal, the term always refers to a highly distinctive species of freshwater turtle. In point of fact, it’s renowned for its extremely unique appearance. This prompts some people to refer to the animal as a living fossil.
• The first official scientific recognition of this remarkable creature took place in the year 1741. At that time, the renowned French naturalist Pierre Barrere described the creature, but did not designate a name for it. Quite surprisingly, it has been renamed more than a dozen times.
• The amazing reptile also stands out for another reason. Unlike many species still existing today, its population numbers appear to still be sufficient and relatively stable. As a result, the IUCN currently lists the Mata mata as Least Concern on its Red List of Threatened Species.
• Given its particular habitat range, however, the work of evolution must be considered to be at least potentially at risk in the future. One of the multiple factors to be considered remains that of possible habitat loss. Its greatest threat, though, will likely come from climate change.

Mata mata Physical Description

Although the astounding Mata mata garners fully merited appreciation by those individuals meeting it, the turtle does not do so based on physical size. In those terms, the reptile only qualifies as roughly an average-sized variety of turtle. It’s in other manners that this turtle stands out.

In terms of its physical dimensions, the carapace of a fully mature adult specimen averages about 18 in (45 cm) in length. Its weight, meanwhile, averages approximately 33 lb (15 kg) for the same mature adult individuals. The truly distinctive characteristics, though, actually appear in other areas.

The Mata mata also displays a very slight degree of the physiological trait of sexual dimorphism. In its particular case, though, this trait manifests itself in the appearance of the tail of the animal. Specifically, that of the adult male develops as somewhat thicker in shape than that of the female.

Otherwise, the genders remain virtually indistinguishable to the observer. Its most notable characteristic, however, unquestionably remains its remarkable shell. This develops with an oblong shape, and a covering of sharp ridges. The reason for this eludes scientists studying the animal.

It also develops a relatively large, and, incredibly, a markedly strongly flattened head, possessing a small horn on its snout. The carapace itself also typically displays either a dark brown or black color. The neck, tail, head, and limbs, though, most commonly display a slightly grayish brown shade.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Chelidae
• Genus: Chelus
• Species: C. fimbriata

Mata mata Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The astonishing creature known to man as the Mata mata inhabits a relatively extensive region of the surface of the world. This same region also happens to be one that abounds with an astounding variety and abundance of life. It evolved as endemic to specific portions of South America.

Not surprisingly, though, the astounding animal primarily appears in the expansive Amazon and Orinico Basins. This provides it with an enormous volume of space in which to make its home. Even there, though, the truly remarkable turtle has very specific requirements for its choice of habitat.

This creature demonstrably prefers to live in areas comprised of relatively slow-moving, blackwater streams. It will also, though, appear in other, similar environments. These most commonly include such areas as marshes, larger stagnant pools, and even occasionally certain swampy areas.

Being primarily an aquatic species in nature, it spends the great majority of its time submerged in water, typically with only its snout extending. This highly skilled hunter snaps its powerful jaws closed on any hapless small fish or invertebrate that ventures to close, then swallowing it whole.

In its indigenous region, the mighty Mata mata usually nests between October and December, after mating. The female typically lays between 12 – 28 delicate, spherical-shaped eggs. These she deposits in the nest constructed by, and watched over by, both parents until hatching occurs.

3 Remarkable South American Reptiles

We sincerely hope that each of you thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefully learning from, this article we’ve written for you about these 3 Remarkable South American Thailand. It’s also our hope that doing so has left you with either a new or renewed appreciation for such wonders of Nature.

Unfortunately, however, many of their kindred around the world now find themselves facing strong threats to their continued existence as a species. Many of those dangers, in fact, stem from the actions of mankind. We must each do everything we can to protect and preserve them all.

Check out our other articles on 5 Marvelous Mammals of California, North Atlantic Right Whale, Tenerife, Apple-of-Peru, Tree Bumblebee, Eurasian Griffin Vulture, 5 Sensational Salamanders