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Are Chinese Alligators Just 7 Feet LongChinese Alligators, (Alligator sinensis) are the most endangered species in the world of reptiles. Chinese Alligators are believed to be associated with the mythical Chinese Dragon, as a symbol of Strength and perseverance.Locally known as tu Long, or ''muddy dragon", they are now just restricted to few provinces of Anhui, Jiangau and Zhejiang. Phyiscal Features of Chinese AlligatorsExcept for few physical differences, the Chinese Alligators are the perfect miniature of American Alligators. Despite being small in size, their head is large and have granular scales in a pattern of faint, light bands with dark background on their body. They have Oestoderms on the belly and on the back and a heavy snout that tapers toward its vaguely upturned end, which is enough to give this animal a unique identity.They have two rows of bony ridges that run along the length of the body and convers center of the tail in one row. Chinese Alligators length can only reach to 7 feet (2.1 m), and weigh 80 lb (36 kg). They have sharp claws and strong jaws that can easily crush hard-shelled snails and mussels. Their fourth tooth is larger than the rest and when they close their mouth, their upper teeth become visible. Their eyes has upper and lower lid with semitransparent membrane. Folds of skin lie with its nostrils closed to enable it to remain submerged for long periods without breathing. Skin of Female Alligators is of dark green color whereas for males it is Olive green. Their younger ones have bright yellow cross all over the body, which are slightly less than the American Alligators. What do Chinese alligators eatChinese Alligators eat snails, mussels, fish, frogs and rats. They hunt only in the night and unlike their American Counterparts, they rarely hunt large animals. When a food item is too large to swallow, alligators cut it into pieces and then gulp it down.Chinese Alligators HabitatChinese Alligators lives in freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, ponds and swamps. During winter they build burrows and hide to protect themselves from extreme cold waves. Size of their burrows is approximately 1 m deep, 0.3 m in diameter and 1.5 m long, which can accommodate more than one alligator at a time. They emerge out of their burrows in the month of April, and will bask in the sun to raise body temperature. Once their body temperature is normalized, they will return to nocturnal habiits.They use the water to thermo-regulate by staying in the upper water columns heated by the sun, or move to shaded waters to cool. How Does Chinese Alligators CommunicateChinese alligators make bellowing sound to convey their message to others, which gets louder during mating season. Further, they will slap the water with their lower jaws. During mating, the male may create sub-audible vibrations in the water to attract their mate and Females will rub against males to indicate their willingness for mating.Continue to: Know More On Chinese Alligator Crocodiles Related ArticlesFacts About alligatorsAlligators vs. Crocodiles What do you know about Magnificent White Alligator! American Alligator - Astounding with their thick Limbs and Powerful Tail |
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