Chinese crocodile lizard

General Information

Chinese crocodile lizards are semi-aquatic reptiles that spend their time alone in slow-moving streams and freshwater pools. They are native to select provinces southern China and northern Vietnam. The lizard’s primary source of food is invertebrates, like insects, snails, and tadpoles.

A 2008 study estimated that 950 crocodile lizards were left in China, while another study estimated that fewer than 150 adults were left in Vietnam. Habitat loss is a major threat to the species. The population decline of the Chinese crocodile lizard can be explained by a combination of poaching, water flow changes, mining, electrofishing, and the poisoning of fish supply due to agricultural waste. Since 1990; there are low levels of legal exports for the pet trade, but it is believed that illegal collection occurs at a higher level. In 2014, it was listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List based on severe population declines and ongoing threats.

Fun Fact

The Chinese crocodile lizard is in fact, not a crocodile. They get their name from their powerful tails, which is scaly like that of a crocodile!