Biologists ventured into the Jacarepagua neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to study the effects of human activity on the area’s broad-snouted caimans. Veuer’s Matt Hoffman has the story.
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00:00This broad-snouted caiman might look dangerous, but really, it's the one in trouble.
00:06These caimans live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in a neighborhood called Jacare Pagua.
00:10That name actually means Valley of the Caimans in an indigenous language, according to the Tico Times.
00:15But pollution and urban encroachment are threatening the species.
00:19These biologists are studying the caimans to see how severely they're being affected by human activity.
00:24Marine biologist Mario Mascatelli says,
00:26We are observing a permissive culture in regards to uncontrolled urban growth
00:29and an absence of permanent public policies for the lower classes.
00:33At the end of the day, the environment is the one who is always affected by the lack of policies.
00:37And caimans may be in a particularly bad spot.
00:40Natural Habitat Adventures notes that their fearsome image may cause people to have less sympathy for them
00:45than for other species that are more cute and cuddly.