Order: Crocodylia
Family: Crocodylidae
Subfamily: Alligatorinae
Genus & Species: Alligator sinensis
APPEARANCE
The Chinese alligator is a small, inconspicuous member of the alligator
family. It grows to an average length of 5 ft (1.5 m), although 7 ft (2.1 m) is
common. Chinese mythology records them as being 10 ft (3 m) in length,
but this size has never been noted scientifically. Sexual dimorphism is
present, with the males being larger than the females. They weigh up to 100
lbs (44.4 kg). Chinese alligators grow slowly, being only 2 ft (60 cm) long
after 2 years of age.
Chinese alligators have the basic alligator appearance. They have a long
snout that is slightly upturned and more tapered than the American
alligator's. The body is long and stocky and is covered in hard scales. Two
rows of bony ridges run along the length of the body and converge in the
center of the tail, where they become one row. The legs are squat and the
tail is long and powerful. The feet end in sharp claws, and the toes are not
joined by webbing, unlike the American alligator. Another distinguishing
feature from the American alligator, besides its small size, is the bony plates
located on the upper eyelids.
The Chinese alligator is generally dark green to black in colour. The
juveniles are black with bright yellow cross-branding, just like the American
alligator. However, Chinese alligators have fewer. The scales on the belly
are ossified (turned to bone).
Chinese alligators have long, sharp teeth ideal for crushing shells. The
fourth lower tooth is larger than the rest. When the mouth is shut, the
upper teeth lie outside of the lower teeth, which distinguishes alligators
from crocodiles.
HABITAT
The Chinese alligator was at one time widely distributed throughout China,
but today is restricted to the lower Yangtze River and some of its
tributaries. They are currently found in the provinces of Jiangau, Zhejiang,
and Anhui.
Chinese alligators prefer slow-moving freshwater and can be found in lakes,
ponds, rivers, streams, swamps, and marshes. They live 333 ft (100 m) above
sea level and hibernate 6-7 months of the year.
Chinese alligators can be beneficial to their environment because they dig
holes known as "Gator Holes" which fill up with water. If the marsh ever
dries up, the water remains in the holes and can support much of the water
life until the marsh fills back up again. Gator holes also provide shelter for
raccoons and other mammals. Chinese alligators also dig elaborate dens in
which they hibernate. These dens average 75 ft (22.5 m) in length and
contain one or more rooms as well as several breathing holes.
FOOD
The Chinese alligator hunts mainly at night. They feed upon small
invertebrates such as snails and mussels, as well as vertebrates such as fish,
frogs, and rats. They rarely attack larger animals, unlike the American
alligator.
ENEMIES
The Chinese alligator is one of the world's rarest crocodilians, with only an
estimated 300 left in the wild. They have few natural enemies, and are killed
off mostly by humans. Habitat destruction is their main threat as they live
in populated areas. Dams are major factors in this destruction. They are
also hunted and killed by humans out of fear due to local mythology. Their
hides are of little value as they are difficult to tan. However, the organs are
sold on the black market to cure a number of ailments. Chinese alligators
are a protected species in some parts, and are being raised in zoos across
China, England, and America in an effort to increase their numbers.
BREEDING
Female Chinese alligators reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years of age. Nesting
occurs between July and August, during which a small nest is made from
decaying vegetation. The female lays 10-40 eggs, which hatch 70 days later.
RELATIVES
There are 23 species of crocodilians located throughout the world,
consisting of crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gavials, and false gavials. The
American alligator is the only other alligator species.
RESOURCES CITED
1. www.yakscorner.com/animal/gator.htm
2. www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/act-plan/asine.htm
3. www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/tutcroclist/chklst1.htm
4. www.amnh.org/Exhibition/Expedition/Endangered/cgator.html
5. www.pathfinder.com/Life/essay/miracle/alligator.html
6. www.bio.bris.ac.uk/research/crocs/csp_asin.htm (cached on Google
www.google.com)
7. Funk & Wagnall's Wildlife Encyclopedia "Alligator" pg 29 vol 1, 1974
BPC Publ Ltd, USA
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