Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Yacare Caiman (Caiman yacare) - Uncertain Risk

The jacare caiman (Caiman yacare) is a reptile native to central South America. CITES-regulated international trade of this species occurs, with a low volume of live animal trade and a high volume of trade in commercial products using its parts. C. yacare rarely attacks humans but it can carry Salmonella virus that infects humans. C. yacare is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and its importation, possession, or trade is prohibited or restricted in several States. However, no records of introductions were found for C. yacare. The history of invasiveness is classified as No Known Nonnative Population. The overall climate match for the contiguous United States was High, with the highest matches occurring in southern States from Arizona to Virginia. The certainty of this assessment is Low due to a lack of information regarding the history of invasiveness. The overall risk posed by this species to the contiguous United States is Uncertain.

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Uncertain Risk
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Invasive species
Reptiles