Chinese Alligator
Alligator sinensis
Class
Reptilia
Order
Crocodylia
Family
Alligatoridae
Chinese Alligator
Range
Yangtze River basin in eastern China
Size
Length: Up to 6. 5 ft
Weight: Up to 88 lbs
Habitat
Marshlands, ponds, and lakes
Young
Clutch: 10 to 50 eggs
Diet
Fish, insects, snails, small mammals, and crustaceans
IUCN Status
Critically Endangered
The Chinese alligator is one of only two species of alligator in the world.
It differs from its cousin, the American alligator, because its snout is slightly upturned and tapered and its eyelids have a bony plate.
Burrows
The Chinese alligator spends its time in caves and burrows during the colder and drier months. It is possible that the mythical Chinese dragon was inspired by the Chinese alligator.
Status
This species is critically endangered due to habitat loss. Scientists estimate that fewer than 130 survive in the wild.
Our Animals
Mushu Hatched August 6, 1994