Predation of Azara’s agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) by the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) in Southern Brazil

Abstract

The broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) is a widespread South American crocodilian that inhabits floodplains, mangroves, lakes, and rivers, including both
wild and anthropogenic regions. The species is considered a generalist predator, feeding on both invertebrates and vertebrates. Despite that, records of mammals on the species’ diet are particularly scarce. Therefore, we report here, for the first time, the predation of Azara’s agouti (Dasyprocta azarae) (Mammalia; Rodentia) by C. latirostris. The predation occurred in the municipality of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina Island, Santa Catarina state, Southern Brazil. The present report highlights the ecological role of crocodilians as predators of medium-sized rodents in South America.