Northern Caiman Lizard Dracaena guianensis

The Caiman Lizard, also called Northern Caiman Lizard to distinguish from the grey Paraguay Caiman Lizard, is a large, heavy, water-loving lizard native to swamps and forest water-courses of northern South America. Its diet is mainly snails and crayfish.

An attractive lizard with an orange or red head and green body, it is related to the similar-sized Tegu (both reach some 4 feet long) and has water adaptations such as a flattened tail and crocodilian features like its namesake, the Caiman crocodile.

Males are more brightly-coloured than females.

Unfortunately, its colourful, leathery skin makes it a target for collection from the wild for the leather trade.