Black Caiman

[Pckts]

The menacing glare of the Amazonian river king ? ? - an absolutely MASSIVE Black caimán bull (Melanosuchus niger) stares us down as we observed him in awe. It was almost as if he was taunting while we sat in the “safety” of our canoe - saying “go ahead come a little closer, I haven’t had lunch yet today”. I don’t like to anthropomorphize or villainize wildlife, however this encounter felt different from anything I’ve experienced. As mentioned in my previous story, this was the first Black caiman I’ve observed that refused to move or flee, his only movement was when he would inflate himself with air to appear even more gigantic. Without exaggeration we estimated this living dinosaur to be all of 15-16ft (4m) from the snout to the tip of his tail. Once a Black caiman reaches this size, as they grow perpetually through their life, he rules the waters of the Amazon - not even a Jaguar, Giant otter family, or an adult female Green anaconda would dare mess with him. In fact they are all on his menu if they would happen to accidentally venture into his territory. This was easily one of the most impressive animals I’ve ever witnessed in person, even my guide and friend @ikeralvaro was shocked and said it was the largest caiman he’s ever seen; the Sani guides are usually jaded to the insane wildlife in their jungle. The photo actually doesn’t do his mass justice as I could hardly believe just how huge he was, his skull is heavily domed with an insanely powerful bite force that is almost incomprehensible. Funny enough their were butterflies on his head, a strange contrast of innocence and raw power, most animals in the rainforest crave salts, the colorful butterflies are drinking the salt from his tears. This animal commanded respect, and we gave it to him, Black caiman are the largest members of the family Alligatoridae, what a specimen!!! Reply