The ecology of a cryptic predator, Paleosuchus trigonatus, in a tropical rainforest

Abstract

The ecology of the crocodilian Paleosuchus trigonatus was studied for 8 yr near Manaus, Brazil. The population dynamics of the species is mainly influenced by the high survival rates of adults. Estimated minimum ages at reproduction are 11 yr for females and 20 yr for males. Juveniles have high rates of dispersal and soon leave natal areas. Adults are sedentary and, in the case of males, territorial. Adult females have small home ranges that are contained within the home range of at least 1 male. Estimates of the biomass of adults (34.4-59.6 kg/km2) indicate that P. trigonatus has by far the highest biomass of any large predator in the central Amazonian rainforest. -from Authors