Caiman lizard | 台北市立動物園資訊網

The caiman lizard was once widely hunted for its leather, but in the 1970s, regulations were passed to control hunting for the leather trade. Since then, wild populations have been able to recover. In its place, farms now raise caiman lizards to supply the demand for their leather.

Though hunting has decreased, other complex issues affect local populations. Pollution, deforestation and habitat loss in certain areas of its range likely impact this species, as it depends on forested and aquatic environments that are often subject to these human pressures. 

Local, indigenous people also hunt caiman lizards for their meat. This practice may not be a significant threat to the wild population, but research is needed to determine whether hunting practices are sustainable for the caiman lizards local populations, as well as to understand this animals status in the wild and its response to anthropogenic change.