Spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) are a common sight around Caño Palma. Sometimes called the common or brown caiman, they are part of the Alligatoridae family, and can be found throughout their native range in Central and South America and the Caribbean. They can also be found in Florida, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, where they were introduced. Spectacled caiman are considered low risk according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 

Caiman are smaller than most crocodiles or alligators, with males growing up to 2 metres (6.5 feet) in length, and females reaching 1.4 metres (4.5 feet) in length. They can live between 20 and 40 years. Found primarily in freshwater wetland habitats, they typically prefer slow-moving water. Though they can be found in both deep and shallow water, they only require enough water to submerge their bodies. These caiman tend to be solitary outside the mating season. Individual home ranges are small and are typically inhabited year-round. Caiman are considered generalists and opportunistic feeders, a fact that is often thought to aid their ecological success. 

CPBS began surveying for caiman in 2009, with consistent weekly censuses beginning in 2012. The purpose of this study is to gather baseline data on the spectacled caiman, including distribution, age, and abundance in the Caño Palma. Improving our understanding of the status of the local caiman population can provide insight on the health of the ecosystem as a whole.

Surveys occur once a week after sunset. Surveyors use flightlights to shine light into the area where the waters edge meets the land. Caiman eyes glow orange when they are hit by light, and surveying this way is a simple method to detect caiman with low impact to the species. Upon detection, the age class of the caiman is determined, the location (GPS) is taken, and the survey continues. This method has allowed us to create a long-term dataset detailing  the local caiman population.