(NYA) 
Ralph De Sola, Federal Writers’ Project. 
SPECTACLED CAYMAN (Caiman sclerops ). Length: 8 feet. Range: Northern 
South America. 
is the smallest of crocodilians. When passing ships disturb the water in 
the Panama Canal, the row of inert “logs” along the bank begins to swim, 
and only then can it be recognized as very-much-alive babillas. 
A subtle tactic is used by the natives to capture the babilla. They 
lash two, pointed sticks crosswise, attach a rope and tie the free end of 
the rope around their waists. Then they walk through the reeds into the 
river until they are half submerged, and gently slap the water in imitation 
of an animal drinking. When they are lucky, a hungry babilla comes rush¬ 
ing up for a meal, jaws agape to seize the native’s enticingly extended arm. 
At that instant, the native jams the stakes between its jaws and makes 
for the bank, drawing the babilla in at the end of his rope. One machete 
blow, and the babilla is on its way to the leather goods manufacturer and 
the native’s dinner table. 
The five other species of cayman, which range from Central America 
to northern Argentina, are also used as a source for leather goods. 
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