The Chinese alligator (which also happens to be the world’s rarest alligator) is a small, inconspicuous member of the alligator family. The Chinese alligator’s scientific name is Alligator Sinensis. The Chinese alligator was once found throughout China. Currently, it is restricted to the providences of Jiangau, Zhejiang and Anhui around the lower Yangtze River in Eastern China. Adult Chinese alligators are 5 feet (1.2 m), but it is common for it to grow 7ft. Females lay 10-40 eggs, which hatch in about 70 days. Offspring are beautifully striped. The Chinese alligator weighs 100 lbs (44.4 kg.).

These alligators grow slowly, being only 2ft (60cm) long after 2 years of age. The Chinese alligator is generally dark green to black in color with long, sharp teeth that are ideal for crushing shells. The alligators live in freshwater rivers and streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands and swamps. Chinese alligators live in a subtropical, temperate region. Chinese alligators dig holes known as the “Gator Holes” which fill up with water and can be 75ft in length. These “Gator Holes” contain one or more rooms and many breathing holes. They can stay in these burrows for up to 7 months of the year for protection from the extreme climate of eastern China.

The alligators hunt mainly at night, feeding on snails, mussels and fish. They also eat small mammals such as rats, waterfowl and even frogs. There is some speculation that they may prey on turtles as well. Tragically, there are about 130 Chinese alligators left in the wild. In fact, the Chinese alligator may be the first alligator to go extinct! The main threat is habitat lost. A big chunk of the alligators’ habitat has been transformed into fish farms, agricultural land, duck rearing and cultivated rice. These farms are necessary to feed the many people who live there. However, alligators often steal ducks and fish for food because their habitat is shrinking. This makes many of the land owners angry and less likely to help protect the alligator. There is hope, however.

Organizations are breeding alligators and keeping them in zoos. Unfortunately, the zoos aren’t putting much effort into releasing them because there are not many places for the Chinese alligator to live, even though laws have been created to protect them. What can we do to keep these secretive predators alive? You can wear t-shirts to show your support for saving these species or you can also donate money to organizations that are helping to save the Chinese alligator. Lets spread the word and save these beautiful, shy creatures!