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

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