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Chinese crocodile lizard
Native to Southern China and Vietnam, the Chinese crocodile lizard is a semiaquatic lizard that can grow up to 45cm in length. Their unique brown or olive-green appearance resembles a crocodile - long, flattened body covered in rough scales, with a prominent ridge down their back. Male Chinese crocodile lizards are much larger and more colourful than females, with these colours becoming even more vivid during breeding season to attract a mate.
Our Chinese crocodile lizard can be found in the Tropical House
Class:
Reptilia
Order:
Squamata
Family:
Shinisauridae
About the Chinese crocodile lizard
These lizards are opportunistic "sit-and-wait" predators with a broad diet of vertebrates and invertebrates. Their hunting strategy involves perching on low-lying branches near water sources, where they remain stationary until prey comes within range. Once an animal is detected, the lizard quickly pounces. Unlike most other lizard species, the Chinese crocodile lizard gives birth to live young, and have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Conservation
The Chinese crocodile lizard is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List - the species survival is increasingly at risk due to habitat loss, restricted range, and human collection to sell on the exotic pet market