The World’s Biggest Caiman Farm is Shrouded in Controversy

In the heart of Brazil’s endangered Pantanal region, a caiman breeding and production facility has quietly taken a leading foothold in the exotic meats market. Sitting on just over 150-hectares of land in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Caimasul is officially the world’s largest caiman meat farm: currently, it houses more than 60,000 of these reptiles and exports over two tons of meat per month. However, their success in the meat market has been shrouded in controversy.  

Founded in 2017, Caimasul was successfully inaugurated with support and fanfare from the local state government of Mato Grosso do Sul. The company’s goal was straightforward: to sustainably produce more than 300,000 tons of exotic meat per year and 10,000 caiman hides. Recognizing the fragile Pantanal ecosystem, Caimasul initially implemented research and conservation methods as integral parts of their organization. But in 2023, they were fined by Brazil’s Environmental Agency (IBAMA) for falsifying records on caiman research and habitat conservation efforts. One year later, the same agency fined them more than 44 million reals (6 million GPB) for malpractice in the exportation of caiman skins.

As the company continues to manufacture caiman meat and skin, their legal woes remain shrouded in mystery.

‘COMPLETELY TRANSPARENT’

After their latest heavy fine, Caimasul released a statement saying that the company has always operated with “rigorous environmental protocols” that include “valid authorizations and licenses as well as sustainable practices recognized by independent, third-party specialists.” Caimasul maintains that since the beginning, the company has always been “completely transparent” and, in regard to the “unfounded” fines, that “truth and justice will prevail.”   

Today, Caimasul continues to sell caiman meat – filet, sirloin, leg and strips – and skins to both local and international markets.