Caiman lizard

What it looks like: The caiman lizard is a colourful creature, featuring a dark orange/red head which blends into a green on the main part of its body and then to a black or brown on its tail.  They are covered in large scales, similar to a crocodile.

Animal facts:

• Caiman lizards are a large semi-aquatic species, spending most of their time in or near water.
• The caiman lizard's long flattened, paddle-like tail helps it swim.
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species regulates movement between countries, of the Cayman lizard.
• They have specialised teeth designed to deal with their food, such as snails. The molars are large and flattened, enabling them to crush shells.

What they eat: Snails, insects and crabs.

Habitat: Rainforest and swamp lands.

Where they live: Northern South America.

Threats: This species was previously hunted for its skin, but since protection was introduced in the 1970s they are no longer thought to be threatened with extinction.