Chinese Alligator - Alligator sinensis.
In: Crocodiles. Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. Third Edition, ed. by S.C. Manolis and C. Stevenson. Crocodile Specialist Group: Darwin: 5-9.
Auszug:
Ecology and Natural History
The Chinese alligator is a relatively small crocodilian with a maximum length of approximately 2 m. Historically more widely distributed in the lower Changjiang (also known as Yangtze) River system in southeastern China, Alligator sinensis is currently only known from a small region in southeastern Anhui Province, a fraction of its former distribution. Reports of very low numbers of wild A. sinensis in Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces have not been confi rmed in recent years, and certainly no breeding populations occur outside Anhui Province.
The three principal habitat types where A. sinensis can now be found are:
- remnant wetlands in low, broad, fertile valleys along main river courses, dominated by paddy fields;
- intermediate ponds in low hill valleys (<100 m) but with signifi cant agriculture in the valley above the pond; and,
- ponds situated in low hill valleys (<100 m) at the upper edge of rice cultivation and the low edge of tree plantations.
Because they occur at relatively high northern latitude, Chinese alligators spend a large portion of the year hibernating in subterranean burrows. The burrows can be complex, with above and below-ground pools, and numerous air holes. The extensive use of these burrows and their very secretive behavior has allowed A. sinensis to inhabit wetland habitats in areas with dense human populations.
Chinese alligators usually begin to emerge from their dens to bask in May. In June, with warming temperatures, they will begin to make nocturnal sorties. Nesting occurs from early July to late August, with 10-40 eggs being laid in a mound nest of decaying vegetation.
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