Chinese crocodile lizard

Shinisaurus crocodilurus

The Chinese crocodile lizard is a semiaquatic lizard found only in cool forests in the Hunan, Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces of China, and the Quảng Ninh Province in Vietnam. The Chinese crocodile lizard spends much of its time in shallow water or in overhanging branches and vegetation, where it hunts its prey of insects, snails, tadpoles, and worms. Individuals in captivity may be fed baby mice. A rare and little-studied lizard, it is listed in CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade of specimens. This is the only species in the monotypic genus ''Shinisaurus''.
Chinese crocodile lizard at Antwerp zoo Quite a rare lizard this beauty is, less than a 1,000 individuals left, and very little is known about them. Antwerpen,Chinese crocodile lizard,Shinisaurus crocodilurus

Appearance

The Chinese crocodile lizard is green colored with reddish neck markings and alternating bands of light and dark marks. Males are more colorful than females, especially during the breeding season. They are 40-46 cm long. Perhaps its most distinctive features are the rows of enlarged, bony scales down its back and muscular tail, giving the lizard its namesake.

Status

A 2008 study estimated 950 crocodile lizards left in China. Habitat loss is the main threat to the species. Before it was listed with CITES it was poached and sold into the pet trade.

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Status: Vulnerable
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyShinisauridae
GenusShinisaurus
SpeciesS. crocodilurus
Photographed in
Belgium