Conservationists are happy with increasing caiman populations, while ranchers who run crocodile hatcheries benefit from larger harvests of crocodile eggs. Less than a century ago, millions of Orinoco crocodiles and caimans lurked in the vast swamps and rivers of this South American country. No less dangerous, the caiman can grow to 10 feet and 400 pounds. Workers pluck eggs from nests along the sandy river banks, often under the menacing gaze of a mother caiman's snout poking from the waters.
Officials say the process improves the caiman's survival rate.
Man is its only predator once it reaches adult size. We can't stop the Indians from eating the eggs. Besides, they have the best skins and most meat. Hunting is done in the swamps under a waning moon. We welcome your feedback.