Curiosity
Hunchback Alligator Spotted in Brazilian Wetlands
Hunchback Alligator Spotted in Brazilian Wetlands
An alligator with a huge, unusual hunchback, possibly the first discovered in the world, was spotted in the Pantanal swamp region of the South American country of Brazil. The giant 11-foot caiman, part of the alligator family, seemed to be in good health and did not appear to be hampered by its hump as it lurked and waded through reedy areas of the swamp.
The caiman was first spotted by British travel guide and wildlife expert Paul Goldstein as he was working his way through the Pantanal swamp, located on the border between Bolivia and Brazil. The area is populated with diverse wildlife, including caimans, jaguars, monkeys, and giant anacondas. It was the first time the local Brazilian natives working with Mr. Goldstein had seen the deformed reptile as well.
Caimans usually travel or congregate in groups, but this hunchback was alone when it was found by Mr. Goldstein. It is assumed that the huge lump on its back is the result of an injury due to a violent fighting encounter with another caiman, or possibly a birth defect, but the caiman was light on its feet and didn’t seem bothered or disabled by its hump.
His hump was believed to have been the result of a birth defect or injury from a fight (Picture: REX/Paul Goldstein)
On The Web:
He’s got the hump! Locals’ surprise as 11ft ‘hunch-back’ alligator is spotted lurking in Brazilian swamp
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2455712/11ft-hunch-alligator-spotted-Brazilian-swamp.html
The Pantanal
http://www.braziltravelinformation.com/brazil_pantanal.htm