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García C., Gisela C. - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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CARACTERÍSTICAS ANATÓMICAS DEL APARATO GENITAL MASCULINO DEL Caiman CROCODILUS CROCODILUS
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UCV, 2013Co-Authors: Cabrera A., Francisco J., García C., Gisela C.Abstract:Se realizó la descripción anatómica del aparato genital masculino de nueve babas adultas salvajes (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus), mediante técnicas clásicas de necropsia. Los hallazgos más importantes fueron: confirmación de ausencia de glándulas genitales accesorias y presencia de un órgano copulador semejante en estructura al de los mamíferos, con un cuerpo del pene libre, de forma cilíndrica y convexa, en cuya superficie dorsal se encuentra un surco eyaculador compuesto de tejido eréctil, capaz de transformarse en un conducto análogo de la uretra peneana de los mamíferos. Esta estructura anatómica puede brindar a esta especie algunas ventajas en la fisiología de la cópula sobre otros cocodrílidos de los llanos venezolanos.Anatomical Characteristics of the Male Genital Tract of the Caiman CROCODILUS CROCODILUSABSTRACTThe anatomical description of the male genital apparatus was carried out on nine wild mature Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus), by means of classic necropsy techniques. The most important findings were: confirmation of the absence of accessory genital glands and, presence of an intromitent organ similar to the mammalian penis, with a free penis’s body, cylindrical and convex in shape, in whose dorsal surface has an ejaculatory groove made up of erectile tissue, able to become a similar conduit of the mammalian penile urethra. We suggest that this anatomical structure offers to this species some advantages in the physiology of the mating over other crocodilians of the Venezuelan plains
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MORFOLOGÍA DE LAS VÍAS URINARIAS DE LA BABA MACHO (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus)
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UCV, 2011Co-Authors: Cabrera A., Francisco J., García C., Gisela C.Abstract:Con el fin de establecer las características morfológicas de las vías urinarias del Caiman crocodilus crocodilus, se realizó el estudio morfológico de las vías urinarias de nueve babas macho adultas, usando las coloraciones Hematoxilina-Eosina y Tricrómica de Mallory. Se concluye que la presencia de túnica muscular a partir de los túbulos colectores puede relacionarse con la necesidad de movilizar pequeñas cantidades de orina cargada de uratos precipitados mediante movimientos peristálticos, lo cual se asociaría con la necesidad de este reptil de producir volúmenes reducidos de orina isosmótica, por lo cual se reduce la pérdida de líquido a nivel renal. Posiblemente, esto implica la secreción de mucinas lubricantes a lo largo de vías urinarias, como un mecanismo facilitador del transporte de los uratos precipitados. (Palabras clave: Vías urinarias; Histología; Caiman crocodilus crocodilus) Abstract A study was conducted with the purpose of establishing the morphologic characteristics of the urinary pathway of the male Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus). A total of nine adult Caimans were used. Samples of the urinary tract were collected and stained with Hematoxilyn-Eosin and Mallory’s trichromic stains. The results of the present study reveal that the presence of a muscular layer, departing from the collecting tubules, could be associated to the need of mobilizing small amounts of urine loaded with precipitated urates, by means of peristaltic movements, which may be associated with the need of this reptile of producing reduced volumes of isosmotic urine. This would lead to a reduction of fluid loss at a renal level. This possibly implies the secretion of mucines along the urinary tract, as a facilitator mechanism for the transport of precipitated urates. (Key words: Urinary pathways; Histology; Caiman crocodilus crocodilus
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HISTOQUÍMICA DE MUCINAS Y LÍPIDOS DEL APARATO URINARIO DE LA BABA (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus)
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UCV, 2011Co-Authors: Cabrera A., Francisco J., García C., Gisela C.Abstract:Se realizó un estudio histoquímico de mucinas y lípidos del aparato urinario de nueve babas adultas de sexo masculino y de un ejemplar adulto de sexo femenino, utilizando las coloraciones PAS, PAS-Azul alciano a pH 2,5 y 1,0; Aceite Rojo “O” y el Método de Schulz para esteroides. Los hallazgos más relevantes fueron la presencia de mucinas neutras en el borde en cepillo y gotas citoplasmáticas de todos los túbulos de la nefrona y en la superficie apical del urotelio, así como presencia de sialomucinas desde el túbulo distal hasta el uréter. Se detectaron gotas lipídicas compuestas por ácidos grasos libres en el citoplasma de las células del segmento intermedio de la nefrona. Se discute la importancia de estas mucinas como protectores de las mucosas y como lubricantes de las vías urinarias. Estos estudios parecen demostrar la ausencia de porciones de la nefrona del Caiman crocodilus crocodilus que intervengan en la secreción de líquido seminal o que sean análogos del segmento sexual de los lagartos y serpientes. (Palabras clave: Vías urinarias; mucinas; lípidos; histoquímica; Caiman crocodilus crocodilus; Apure) Abstract A histochemical study of mucins and lipids of the urinary tract of the Spectacled Caiman was conducted, using PAS stain, PAS-Alcian blue stain (at pH values of 2.5 and 1.0, respectively), “O” red oil stain, and Shultz method for steroids. Nine mature males and one mature female were used. The results of the present study show that the most relevant findings were the presence of neutral mucins in the brush border and of cytoplasmic droplets in all tubular nephrons and in the apical surface of the urothelium, as well as the presence of sialomucins from the distal tubule to the ureter. Lipid droplets composed of free fatty acids were observed in the cytoplasm of the cells of the intermediate segment of the nephron. The importance of mucins as mucosal protectors and urinary tract lubricants is discussed. The results of the study in the Caiman crocodilus crocodilus, appear to demonstrate the absence of portions of the nephron that either participate in the secretion of seminal fluid or are similar to the sexual segment of lizards and snakes. (Key words: Urinary pathways; mucins; lipids; histochemistry; Caiman crocodilus crocodiles; Apure
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CARACTERÍSTICAS HISTOLÓGICAS DEL EPIDÍDIMO DE BABA (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus) SEXUALMENTE MADURO
Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias UCV, 2011Co-Authors: Saccucci M., Genny A., Finol, Héctor J., García C., Gisela C.Abstract:El epidídimo es un órgano que forma parte del aparato reproductivo masculino en todas las especies vertebradas, y que posee características histológicas que permiten lograr su identificación. Se realizó el estudio histológico del órgano reproductor de las babas Caiman crocodilus crocodilus en diferentes meses del año, incluyendo las épocas de gran actividad sexual o apareamiento y la época de no apareamiento, para conocer si las características histológicas de este órgano son similares durante todo el año. Se extrajeron 11 ejemplares sexualmente maduros de su medio ambiente natural, obteniéndose por necropsia, las muestras del epidídimo. Las muestras se fijaron con formol buferado al 10%, y se incluyeron en parafina. Posteriormente, se realizaron cortes de 5µm de grosor y fueron teñidos con Hematoxilina – Eosina. Como característica histológica común durante todo el año, se observó la presencia de unos conductillos epididimarios que confluyen en un conducto principal o conducto del epidídimo con un epitelio que varió de cúbico simple en la porción anterior a cilíndrico simple en los segmentos medio y posterior. De igual manera, se apreció un aumento de la capa muscular a medida que se avanzaba hacia las porciones media y posterior. En época de apareamiento resalta la característica del epitelio visiblemente festoneado, el aumento en la altura del mismo, la presencia de un gran número de células claras sin estereocilios y el aumento del diámetro de los conductos, así como gránulos de secreción eosinofílicos y un gran número de espermatozoides en el lumen, detalle que no es observado en la época de no apareamiento, durante la cual no se observa el epitelio de forma festoneado y su diámetro es mucho menor. (Palabras clave: Histologia animal, Caiman crocodilus, epidídimo, época de apareamiento, macho, madurez sexual) Abstract The epididymis is an organ which forms part of the male reproductive tract in all vertebrate species, and it possesses histological characteristics which allow its identification. A study was conducted to verify if the histological characteristics of the epididymis of the Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus crocodilus) are similar during different seasons of the year, including seasons of high and low mating activity. A total of 11 mature animals were selected from their natural environment. Samples of the epididymis were obtained from necropsy, fixed with 10% buffered formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Subsequently, they were stained with hematoxilin-eosin. The results show a common histological characteristic: the presence of some epididymis tiny ducts that converge into a main duct or the epididymis duct, with an epithelium which varies from a simple cubic in the anterior portion to a cylindrical one in the medial and posterior segments. In a similar way, as one moves forward to the medial and posterior portions, an increase in the muscular layer is observed. During mating time, the visibly festooning of the epithelium, the increase in height, the presence of a large amount of clear cells without stereocilium, an increase in the diameter of the ducts, as well as eosinophillic secretion granules and a great quantity of sperms in the lumen, stand out, a detail which is not seen during non-mating season, where the presence of a festooned epithelium is not observed, and its diameter is much smaller. (Key words: Animal histology, Caiman crocodilus, epididymis, breeding seasons, males, sexual maturity
Ronis Da Silveira - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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correction to the metabolic cost of nesting body condition and blood parameters of Caiman crocodilus and melanosuchus niger in central amazonia
Journal of Comparative Physiology B-biochemical Systemic and Environmental Physiology, 2017Co-Authors: Boris Marioni, Ronis Da Silveira, Robinson Boteroarias, William E Magnusson, Jose Antonio Lemos Baraonobrega, Antonio J A Nogueira, Emerson Silva Lima, Jaydione Luiz MarconAbstract:Although nesting ecology is well studied in several crocodilian species, it is not known how nest attendance influences physiology and body condition of nesting females. In this study, we describe body condition and serum biochemical values of nesting female, non-nesting female and male Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) in two areas of Central Amazonia. We also evaluated the effect of nest age and nest distance to water on body condition and blood parameters of nesting females. Body condition and plasmatic concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, lactate and uric acid of nesting females were significantly different from those of non-nesting females and males in C. crocodilus, but not in M. niger. Our study also demonstrated that nest age and distance to water had a negative effect on female body condition in C. crocodilus, but not in M. niger. Female C. crocodilus attending older nests or nests built further away from permanent water bodies tended to have lower body condition. Our results demonstrate that the nesting strategy of C. crocodilus has a metabolic cost associated with nest attendance for nesting females, which appear to depend on accumulated energetic reserves during nest attendance. In contrast, nest attendance had little effect on the physiology of female M. niger.
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growth rates of black Caiman melanosuchus niger and Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus from two different amazonian flooded habitats
Amphibia-reptilia, 2013Co-Authors: Ronis Da Silveira, Zilca Campos, John B Thorbjarnarson, William E MagnussonAbstract:Rates of growth and survival in wild populations are affected by the physical environment, biotic interactions, and density-dependent processes, such as growth and fecundity. However, the relative importance of these factors in long- lived reptiles is poorly understood. We analyzed growth rates of Melanosuchus niger and Caiman crocodilus coexisting in two areas of the Brazilian Amazon with very different environmental characteristics. Growth rates of Caiman crocodilus at the two sites were similar, but M. niger grew more slowly in the area with higher productivity and higher density of Caimans. Growth rates of the same species from other sites and of the temperate-zone Alligator mississippiensis indicate large differences among sites, but little evidence that these differences are primarily due to differences in productivity or temperature. Demographic models used to estimate sustained yields from Caiman harvests should take into account the likely importance of density-dependent growth.
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Mercury Concentration in the Spectacled Caiman and Black Caiman (Alligatoridae) of the Amazon: Implications for Human Health
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2012Co-Authors: Larissa Schneider, Boris Marioni, Reinaldo Pacheco Peleja, Augusto Kluczkovski, Guilherme Martinez Freire, Richard Carl Vogt, Ronis Da SilveiraAbstract:Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the Amazon are generally high, but no studies have been published on Hg concentrations in Caimans (Alligatoridae) from the region. Aiming for sizes representative of Caimans traded for food in the Amazon, we measured Hg concentration in tail muscle of Spectacled Caiman ( Caiman crocodilus crocodilus ) and black Caiman ( Melanosuchus niger ) from the Purus River basin. The information on Hg concentration in Caimans from this area is important because of the potential health risk to humans and other animals that eat them as well as the potential use of these top-level predators as bioindicators. There were no significant interspecific or sex differences in Hg concentrations. The mean Hg concentration was 291.2 μg/kg in C. c. crocodilus and 193.9 μg/kg in M. niger . A significant positive correlation between Hg concentration and size was found for M. niger ( p = 0.005) but not for C. c. crocodilus . Our Hg sample from M. niger corresponded to the size of M. niger collected for commercial trade, but our Hg sample from C. c. crocodilus turned out to be significantly smaller than the trade samples ( p = 0.004), but this difference is not pertinent in the absence of a correlation between size and Hg concentration for this species. Although there are no standards for reptile meat, both species had mean Hg concentrations lower than the maximum allowable level of 500 μg/kg Hg recommended by the World Health Organization and by the Brazilian Health Ministry for fish. However, by calculating daily consumptions limits and number of meals per month that can be safely consumed, we found that consumers who eat Caimans frequently may be at risk for Hg-related health problems.
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conservation implications of commercial hunting of black and Spectacled Caiman in the mamiraua sustainable development reserve brazil
Biological Conservation, 1999Co-Authors: Ronis Da Silveira, John B ThorbjarnarsonAbstract:Abstract During the annual dry season, illegal hunting of black and Spectacled Caiman in the Mamiraua Sustainable Development Reserve in western Brazilian Amazon is widespread Peres and Carkeek, 1993 . Hunting occurs throughout the reserve, but is particularly intense in the northern Panaua region, where it provides the primary source of income for local residents during the dry season. While hunting prior to 1970 was principally to obtain Caiman skins for sale, hunting today is entirely for the sale of Caiman meat. People in the region do not eat the meat themselves, but after salting sell it to buyers who mix it with fish and in turn sell it in Para state, Brazil, and in Colombia. Preliminary information suggests that the annual harvest is approximately 115 metric tons of fresh Caiman meat, which would represent a harvest of 5230 black Caiman and 2865 Spectacled Caiman. Despite this illegal hunting, the population of black Caiman has one of the highest reported densities for Amazonia. The impact of hunting on wild populations may be reduced because the hunters take mostly adult and subadult males, from relatively accessible parts of the reserve. Hunting in the Mamiraua reserve illustrates that a sustained harvest of Caiman populations may be possible under the right conditions.
Boris Marioni - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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correction to the metabolic cost of nesting body condition and blood parameters of Caiman crocodilus and melanosuchus niger in central amazonia
Journal of Comparative Physiology B-biochemical Systemic and Environmental Physiology, 2017Co-Authors: Boris Marioni, Ronis Da Silveira, Robinson Boteroarias, William E Magnusson, Jose Antonio Lemos Baraonobrega, Antonio J A Nogueira, Emerson Silva Lima, Jaydione Luiz MarconAbstract:Although nesting ecology is well studied in several crocodilian species, it is not known how nest attendance influences physiology and body condition of nesting females. In this study, we describe body condition and serum biochemical values of nesting female, non-nesting female and male Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) and black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) in two areas of Central Amazonia. We also evaluated the effect of nest age and nest distance to water on body condition and blood parameters of nesting females. Body condition and plasmatic concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, lactate and uric acid of nesting females were significantly different from those of non-nesting females and males in C. crocodilus, but not in M. niger. Our study also demonstrated that nest age and distance to water had a negative effect on female body condition in C. crocodilus, but not in M. niger. Female C. crocodilus attending older nests or nests built further away from permanent water bodies tended to have lower body condition. Our results demonstrate that the nesting strategy of C. crocodilus has a metabolic cost associated with nest attendance for nesting females, which appear to depend on accumulated energetic reserves during nest attendance. In contrast, nest attendance had little effect on the physiology of female M. niger.
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genetic evidence for polygamy as a mating strategy in Caiman crocodilus
Journal of Heredity, 2014Co-Authors: Deyla Paula Oliveira, Boris Marioni, Izeni Pires Farias, Tomas HrbekAbstract:The mating system of the Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) was investigated in the Piagacu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve, Amazonas, Brazil. We used 6 polymorphic microsatellite loci to genotype 13 females and 174 hatchlings representing 20 nests sampled over 4 consecutive reproductive seasons (2007-2010). Paternity was determined by 2 methods: simple counts, and statistical analysis using Gerud 2.0. Results were congruent between the 2 approaches, and the null hypothesis of single paternity was rejected in 19 of the 20 nests analyzed, thereby demonstrating that C. crocodilus females are polyandrous and that the breeding system of the species can be characterized as polygamous. The data suggest that 1-4 fathers were responsible for the paternity of the offspring, and that the males contributed differently (9-100%) to each of the 20 nests. A total of 53 males copulated with the 20 females mothering the nests. This is the first study on the mating system of C. crocodilus and the frequency of multiple paternity is among the highest values (95%) reported thus far for crocodilians.
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local community involvement as a basis for sustainable crocodilian management in protected areas of central amazonia problem or solution
Tropical Conservation Science, 2013Co-Authors: Boris Marioni, Robinson Boteroarias, Sinomar F FonsecajuniorAbstract:Amazon floodplains have a long history of exploitation of crocodilians, particularly of large species such as the black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger) and Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus). Historically, legal but uncontrolled trade resulted in a drastic reduction of wild populations of both species, which eventually led to the collapse of the commercial trade. In 1967, prohibition of commercial use of wild fauna through changes in Brazilian and international laws allowed Caiman populations to slowly recover across much of their original range. Several studies on Caiman populations greatly improved knowledge about the species, offering scientific bases for crocodilian management in the wild. Although protective legislation should only be altered using extreme caution, the creation of Sustainable Development Reserves (SDR) at the end of last century made it possible to manage wildlife for commercial purposes, albeit under strict population monitoring regimes. This category of protected area was established to improve welfare of local communities and strengthen their participation in conservation. Along with involvement in Caiman monitoring programs, the engagement of local hunters and buyers is essential for participatory management plans. Even with development of SDRs, monitoring of crocodilian populations is still restricted to a few State Reserves, and traditional knowledge of stakeholders has been insufficiently incorporated into management and monitoring activities. We believe that stronger participation of local actors can help to improve the experimental harvesting initiatives that have been carried out thus far by local authorities. Community-based monitoring programs, which reflect local reality, are being developed in a simple and costeffective way. Key word: Amazon, crocodilians, participatory monitoring, local community Resumo
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Mercury Concentration in the Spectacled Caiman and Black Caiman (Alligatoridae) of the Amazon: Implications for Human Health
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 2012Co-Authors: Larissa Schneider, Boris Marioni, Reinaldo Pacheco Peleja, Augusto Kluczkovski, Guilherme Martinez Freire, Richard Carl Vogt, Ronis Da SilveiraAbstract:Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the Amazon are generally high, but no studies have been published on Hg concentrations in Caimans (Alligatoridae) from the region. Aiming for sizes representative of Caimans traded for food in the Amazon, we measured Hg concentration in tail muscle of Spectacled Caiman ( Caiman crocodilus crocodilus ) and black Caiman ( Melanosuchus niger ) from the Purus River basin. The information on Hg concentration in Caimans from this area is important because of the potential health risk to humans and other animals that eat them as well as the potential use of these top-level predators as bioindicators. There were no significant interspecific or sex differences in Hg concentrations. The mean Hg concentration was 291.2 μg/kg in C. c. crocodilus and 193.9 μg/kg in M. niger . A significant positive correlation between Hg concentration and size was found for M. niger ( p = 0.005) but not for C. c. crocodilus . Our Hg sample from M. niger corresponded to the size of M. niger collected for commercial trade, but our Hg sample from C. c. crocodilus turned out to be significantly smaller than the trade samples ( p = 0.004), but this difference is not pertinent in the absence of a correlation between size and Hg concentration for this species. Although there are no standards for reptile meat, both species had mean Hg concentrations lower than the maximum allowable level of 500 μg/kg Hg recommended by the World Health Organization and by the Brazilian Health Ministry for fish. However, by calculating daily consumptions limits and number of meals per month that can be safely consumed, we found that consumers who eat Caimans frequently may be at risk for Hg-related health problems.
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Microsatellite markers for mating system and population analyses of the Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus (Linnaeus 1758)
Conservation Genetics Resources, 2010Co-Authors: Deyla Paula Oliveira, Boris Marioni, Z. Campos, Izeni Pires Farias, Tomas HrbekAbstract:We used a microsatellite enriched library to isolate and characterize 12 di-nucleotide microsatellite loci of Caiman crocodilus . Microsatellites were characterized in populations of C. c. crocodilus from Piagaçu-Purus, Amazonas, Brazil and C. c. yacare from Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Results of characterization were comparable between the two subspecies, with number of alleles varying from three to 20 and one to 14 per locus in C. c. crocodilus and C. c. yacare , respectively. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.088 to 0.816 and 0.115 to 0.833, respectively. Joint paternity exclusion (QC) was >0.999 in both subspecies, and probability of genetic identity varied from 4.631 × 10^−13 in C. c. crocodilus to 2.233 × 10^−8 in C. c. yacare . All loci are unlinked, and with the exception of three loci in C. c. crocodilus all loci were at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The characteristics of these loci makes them an excellent tool set for the study of mating systems, and fine-scaled population structuring in the Caiman crocodilus species complex.
Jon C Herron - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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growth rates of black Caiman melanosuchus niger and Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus and the recruitment of breeders in hunted Caiman populations
Biological Conservation, 1991Co-Authors: Jon C HerronAbstract:Abstract Hunted populations of black Caiman Melanosuchus niger are unable to persist, but many hunted populations of Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus appear to be maintaining their numbers. Previous authors explained these observations by noting that black and Spectacled Caiman differ in the length of time that individuals are highly vulnerable to hunting before they reach sexual maturity. This time period is believed to be long for black Caiman, making recruitment of breeders difficult, but short for Spectacled Caiman, making recruitment of breeders relatively easy. Data on the growth rates of 16 black Caiman and two Spectacled Caiman in an oxbow lake in Peru support this explanation. Furthermore, these data provide preliminary evidence that black Caiman populations are even more vulnerable to extinction from hunting than previously thought.
Tomas Hrbek - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genetic evidence for polygamy as a mating strategy in Caiman crocodilus
Journal of Heredity, 2014Co-Authors: Deyla Paula Oliveira, Boris Marioni, Izeni Pires Farias, Tomas HrbekAbstract:The mating system of the Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) was investigated in the Piagacu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve, Amazonas, Brazil. We used 6 polymorphic microsatellite loci to genotype 13 females and 174 hatchlings representing 20 nests sampled over 4 consecutive reproductive seasons (2007-2010). Paternity was determined by 2 methods: simple counts, and statistical analysis using Gerud 2.0. Results were congruent between the 2 approaches, and the null hypothesis of single paternity was rejected in 19 of the 20 nests analyzed, thereby demonstrating that C. crocodilus females are polyandrous and that the breeding system of the species can be characterized as polygamous. The data suggest that 1-4 fathers were responsible for the paternity of the offspring, and that the males contributed differently (9-100%) to each of the 20 nests. A total of 53 males copulated with the 20 females mothering the nests. This is the first study on the mating system of C. crocodilus and the frequency of multiple paternity is among the highest values (95%) reported thus far for crocodilians.
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Microsatellite markers for mating system and population analyses of the Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus (Linnaeus 1758)
Conservation Genetics Resources, 2010Co-Authors: Deyla Paula Oliveira, Boris Marioni, Z. Campos, Izeni Pires Farias, Tomas HrbekAbstract:We used a microsatellite enriched library to isolate and characterize 12 di-nucleotide microsatellite loci of Caiman crocodilus . Microsatellites were characterized in populations of C. c. crocodilus from Piagaçu-Purus, Amazonas, Brazil and C. c. yacare from Cáceres, Mato Grosso, Brazil. Results of characterization were comparable between the two subspecies, with number of alleles varying from three to 20 and one to 14 per locus in C. c. crocodilus and C. c. yacare , respectively. Observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.088 to 0.816 and 0.115 to 0.833, respectively. Joint paternity exclusion (QC) was >0.999 in both subspecies, and probability of genetic identity varied from 4.631 × 10^−13 in C. c. crocodilus to 2.233 × 10^−8 in C. c. yacare . All loci are unlinked, and with the exception of three loci in C. c. crocodilus all loci were at Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The characteristics of these loci makes them an excellent tool set for the study of mating systems, and fine-scaled population structuring in the Caiman crocodilus species complex.