Chinese Alligator

Chinese alligators are relatively small crocodilians native to the lower Yangtze River basin in eastern China. Adults are heavily armored, with dark coloration and pale cross-banding most evident in younger animals. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, ponds, marshes and associated agricultural wetlands. During colder months they retreat into elaborate underground burrows containing chambers positioned above and below the waterline, allowing them to remain inactive through winter. (Animal Diversity Web)

Their diet includes fish, snails, crustaceans, insects, amphibians and other small vertebrates, with broad rear teeth helping crush hard-shelled prey. Females construct mound nests from vegetation and guard both the nest and newly hatched young. Temperature during incubation influences offspring sex. Vocal communication is important between adults and juveniles, and hatchlings call from inside their eggs when ready to emerge, prompting maternal assistance. (Animal Diversity Web)