Integrating Camera‐Trap Photo‐Identification Into Non‐Invasive Monitoring of Caiman latirostris

The capture of crocodilians for sample collection and the evaluation of population parameters is important for their management and conservation, particularly in wetland ecosystems where non‐invasive monitoring is essential. In this context, identifying complementary tools to conventional recapture of individuals that are non‐invasive and provide similar information remains a challenge. This study assessed the usefulness of camera trapping as a complementary method for the individual identification of female broad‐snouted caimans ( Caiman latirostris ) during nesting. We monitored 87 caiman nests using camera traps, selected the images in which marks on the caudal region were visible, and searched for the marks in the historical records of the species that had been created within the framework of population surveys. We were unable to obtain complete images of the caudal region of 15 females. Among the remaining 72 females, we identified marks in 19 (26%) of them: eight corresponded to individuals reintroduced into the wild, three to captures and two were identified by physical marks (e.g., absence of a limb). In the remaining six females, although they displayed marks in the caudal region, detection occurred at night‐time or vegetation hindered visibility, so we could not individualize them. Within the framework of monitoring linked to conservation programs based on the sustainable use of the broad‐snouted caiman, camera trapping could contribute to the evaluation of its population status at reproductive ages, particularly if sampling effort is increased during the nesting period.