REPTILES OF THE AMAZON RIVER.

The Western Amazon Rain Forest, found in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Western Brazil, has the highest diversity of reptiles in South America and there is a comparatively low amount in the Eastern Amazon. There are more than 450 species of lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and caiman in the Amazon Basin. But despite this abundance of species, our knowledge of many Amazon reptiles is still poor.
Amazon reptiles occupy a very wide range of habitats (e.g. creeks, oxbows, rain forest canopy) and also show differences in their feeding habits. Most reptiles, such as the boa, are carnivorous (they feed exclusively on other animals) while others, such as the green iguana, are primarily herbivorous (they eat mostly mostly plant matter).
Boas are without a doubt the most famous snakes in the World. The widespread fauna of the Amazon River includes 5 species: Boa Constrictor, Emerald tree Boa, Common tree Boa, and the Rainbow Boa.
Different Boa species use different habitats to specialize themselves on different preys, making them able to coexist with limited competition from each other.  To kill their prey, boas lie in wait until a suitable prey is in sight, wrap themselves around the victim and suffocate them. Prey may include fish, turtles, lizards, birds, and even mammals. They need to swallow their prey whole.
Crocodiles and Alligators (Caimans) found in the Amazon River are most active at night. These animals eat fish and other water dwelling animals, such as birds and snakes.  Crocodilians and Alligators/Caiman look the same, but "Crocs" have snouts that are more pointed than the "Gators." Crocodiles also have the upper 4th tooth visible when the jaws are closed. Alligators/Caimans avoid saltwater. They are also more abundant.
Turtles found in the Amazon River belong to an ancient group called side-necked turtles. These turtles have inhabited the earth for more than 158 million years. The head is tucked sideways rather than being hidden inside the shell. Only about 20 species are found. The River Turtle known as Arrau and Charapa, is the largest freshwater turtle in South America, with shells over 80 cm long reported for some females. Males are smaller and measure 40 cm on average.
The Amazon turtles are of biological, social and cultural importance. Biologically, turtles act as indicators species as they are sensitive to changes to their habitat. According to the Colombian Data of Reptiles in the Amazon Rain Forest, especially the species in the Orinoco River are in critical danger of extinction while in the Amazon River it has been classified as endangered. But there is good news from the Amazon Riverside communities of people living along the River on the Peruvian site, they are collecting the Turtle's eggs in order to release them in safety. These are encouraging early footsteps in sustainable management of the species.
Lizards found in the Amazon Rain Forest belong to an assortment of different types (over 100). From the well known iguanas to the other less known animals like caiman lizards.
Iguanas are probably the most famous lizards in the World. Green iguanas can actually vary a lot in color from grey through to an orange tint. They are generally very adaptable, which is a reason why they have lasted so long in the pet trade. It is also how they have managed to diversify to offshore islands and adapt into the World's only living marine lizard. Green iguanas prefer an arboreal lifestyle and are often found in trees near water in Amazon forests.
Caiman Lizards are named due to their crocodilian-like skin. They are a semi-aquatic lizard and prefer living in areas close to water. They can be rarely seen in dry season, but will be seen throughout the wet season on branches or in water.
Many reptiles species are illegally collected an exported for the international per trade.