Nest-sharing behavior of captive Broad-snouted caimans (Caiman latirostris): Cooperation or exploitation?

<p>  </p> <p>Communal egg-laying is not frequently observed in crocodilians that exhibit nest attendance. However, it has been reported for both wild and captive <em>Caiman latirostris</em>. To understand the proximate causes of communal nesting, we aim to describe the nesting behavior of caimans during communal egg-laying in a captive population. Video cameras were placed at nests and the behavior of females was monitored throughout three incubation periods. We documented and analyzed social behavioral data. Nest-sharing behavior consisted of several females congregating and performing nest construction, nest vigilance and nest maintenance. It was observed in all nests previous to egg-laying. After the first laying, one female prevented others from approaching. The second egg-laying female negatively affected the previous clutch. Working together at the same nest would appear to be an exploitative rather than a cooperative activity, and communal nesting could be a competitive interaction, due to limited suitable nesting sites or overcrowding due to captivity.</p>