Chinese Alligator
Alligator sinensis
CLASS Reptilia | ORDER Crocodylia | FAMILY AlligatoridaeRANGE Yangtze River basin in eastern China
HABITAT Marshlands, ponds, and lakes
DIET Fish, insects, snails, small mammals, and crustaceans
RANGE Yangtze River basin in eastern China
HABITAT Marshlands, ponds, and lakes
DIET Fish, insects, snails, small mammals, and crustaceans
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.
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.
This species is critically endangered due to habitat loss. Scientists estimate that fewer than 130 survive in the wild.
