The Chinese Alligator, also known as the Yangtze Alligator, is a species of crocodilian that is native to parts of China.
This species was historically known as the ‘Muddy Dragon’ and is one of only two living Alligators, with the other being the American Alligator.
Chinese Alligator Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Chinese Alligator belongs to is called Alligatoridae. This is a family of crocodilians that include alligators and caiman.
The majority of the species that have been classified in this family are actually extinct but there are still a decent number of living species.
Some of the other species in this family include the Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman, the Spectacled Caiman and the Broad Snouted Caiman.
Genus
The genus that the Chinese Alligator belongs to is called Alligator and this is the genus containing all species of True Alligator.
There are only two living species of True Alligator with the other being the American Alligator.
There are 6 other recognised species in this genus but they are all extinct.
The name Alligator comes from the Spanish words ‘el lagarto’, meaning ‘the lizard’, as this is what early Spanish settlers called the American Alligator.
Species
The scientific name for the Chinese Alligator is Alligator sinensis and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1879 by a French naturalist named Albert-Auguste Fauvel.
Chinese Alligator Description
The Chinese Alligator displays a yellowish grey hue and have prominent black spotting on their lower jaw.
They have four limbs with short claws and each of these have five partially webbed toes. These limbs contribute to their movement, but it is primarily their long and thick tail that propels them through the water.
Their body is protected by osteoderms, which are bony plates that overlay their skin and serve as armour. These plates cover both the back and underside of the Chinese Alligator.
A distinguishing feature of this species is their upturned snout. Similar to caimans, they have a bony plate in their upper eyelid.
A Juvenile Chinese Alligator closely resemble adults, but they can be identified by distinct yellow bands that adorn their bodies.
Typically, juveniles have an average of five bands on their bodies and eight on their tails. As they mature into adulthood, their coloration becomes less conspicuous.
When it comes to size, males of this species have been documented reaching lengths of up to 2.2 meters from snout to tail, although the average size is around 1.5 meters.
Females, on the other hand, have been recorded with a maximum length of 1.7 meters, averaging approximately 1.4 meters in size.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Chinese Alligator can only be found in a very small region of China. Their range is limited to the Angui Province in Eastern China.
This province is located between Shanghai and Wuhan. The Alligator has also been sighted in the Shanghai area.
The Chinese Alligator inhabits subtropical and temperate regions, specifically dwelling in various aquatic habitats.
These include wetlands, swamps, ponds, lakes, as well as freshwater rivers and streams.
Chinese Alligator Behaviour
During the late fall to early spring, when temperatures are cool, the Chinese Alligator enters a dormant state.
They establish burrows along the banks of wetlands, typically measuring around 1 meter in depth, 0.3 meters in diameter, and 1.5 meters in length.
While these burrows are utilized throughout the year, they are particularly important during the winter season.
It’s worth noting that these burrows can be quite intricate and may accommodate more than one alligator.
In April, as the temperatures begin to rise, the Chinese Alligator emerges from their burrows and engage in sunbathing to elevate their body temperature.
Being ectothermic creatures, they rely on external sources to regulate their body heat.
Once their body temperature reaches a suitable level, they resume their normal nocturnal activities.
As aquatic animals, they can also utilize water for thermoregulation. They may occupy the upper water layers, which are heated by the sun, or seek out shaded areas in the water to cool off.
Mating rituals among the Chinese Alligator take place during the spring season. Compared to other members of the crocodilian family, they are generally considered to be the most docile.
Chinese alligators are carnivorous predators that are more active during the night, making them nocturnal hunters.
An adult Chinese Alligator predominantly feeds on a diet consisting of fish, snails, clams and small mammals.
There is also some speculation that they may include turtles in their prey selection. On the other hand, younger alligators consume insects and other small invertebrates as part of their diet.
