they amass together in groups, and always live near pools of water, in rivers, ponds, swamps and lakes - around 6,000 of these reptiles live in lagoons, particularly in the neighbourhoods to the west of the city, most notably in recreio dos bandeirantes.

in the lagoons and swamps there, the water is more putrid and polluted, which increases its temperature, attracting the jacarés to make it their home - they are very rarely found in the sea, but in january of 2015, one was apprehended off the coast of ilha do governador. 

they have been on earth for over 200 million years, weathering storms that dinosaurs were unable to but, as a result of habitat destruction and poaching, they are now on the list of endangered animals.