![Image00003](/media/0ppowm4j/image00003.jpeg?width=400&height=300&rnd=133449054389800000)
Chinese crocodile lizard
![Image00002](/media/hnmjmagk/image00002.jpeg?anchor=center&rmode=crop&width=320&quality=80)
General Information
Chinese crocodile lizards are semi-aquatic reptiles that spend their time alone in slow-moving streams and freshwater pools. They are native to select provinces southern China and northern Vietnam. The lizard’s primary source of food is invertebrates, like insects, snails, and tadpoles.
A 2008 study estimated that 950 crocodile lizards were left in China, while another study estimated that fewer than 150 adults were left in Vietnam. Habitat loss is a major threat to the species. The population decline of the Chinese crocodile lizard can be explained by a combination of poaching, water flow changes, mining, electrofishing, and the poisoning of fish supply due to agricultural waste. Since 1990; there are low levels of legal exports for the pet trade, but it is believed that illegal collection occurs at a higher level. In 2014, it was listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List based on severe population declines and ongoing threats.
![Image00003](/media/0ppowm4j/image00003.jpeg?anchor=center&rmode=crop&width=320&quality=80)
Latin name - Shinisaurus crocodilurus
Class - Reptilia
Family - Shinisauridae
IUCN Status - Endangered
Habitat – Clear streams within subtropical broadleaf evergreen forests.
Distribution – South-eastern China and Vietnam.
![Image00004](/media/xhciwig2/image00004.jpeg?anchor=center&rmode=crop&width=320&quality=80)
Fun Fact
The Chinese crocodile lizard is in fact, not a crocodile. They get their name from their powerful tails, which is scaly like that of a crocodile!
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