Alligator sinensis

(Fauvel, 1879)

Vernacular names
English : Chinese alligator
French : Alligator de Chine

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Alligatoridae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
This species is the smallest of the two known alligators, reaching up to 2 meters in length for a weight of 45 kg. Broad head with blunt snout. Back, flanks and belly are armored. Coloration usually dark grey with fading flank bands or blotches.

Range and habitat
The species is endemic to eastern China, being found along the lower reaches of the Yangtze river, in the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Lives in slow moving river and nearby freshwater swamps in lowlands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is legally protected but its range is now very small and most of the wild population has died out because of pollution and poisoning.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, EEP in Europe

Observation

 

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