Knowra Chinese alligator Chinese alligator The Chinese alligator is a small crocodilian native to eastern China and the only living alligator species outside the Americas. It is critically endangered and survives mainly in protected wetlands and captive-breeding programs.
Alligator : An alligator is a large, broad-snouted crocodilian in the family Alligatoridae. The Chinese alligator is one of only two living alligator species.
Crocodilian nest : A crocodilian nest is a mound or hole where a female lays and incubates her eggs. Females build vegetation nests and guard eggs during incubation.
Chinese alligator National Nature Reserve : The Chinese alligator National Nature Reserve is a protected area in Anhui Province established to conserve the species and its habitat. It protects habitat within the alligator’s remaining native range.
Habitat fragmentation : Habitat fragmentation is the division of continuous habitat into smaller, isolated patches. Dikes, roads, and development have separated populations and wetlands.
American alligator : The American alligator is a large alligator native to the southeastern United States and parts of Mexico. It is the Chinese alligator’s only living congener and has a much broader range.
Crocodilia : Crocodilia is the order of reptiles that includes alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials. This order supplies the broader evolutionary group to which the species belongs.
Temperature-dependent sex determination : Temperature-dependent sex determination is the production of offspring sex according to incubation temperature rather than sex chromosomes. Nest temperatures influence the sex of Chinese alligator hatchlings.
Wuhu Chinese Alligator Breeding Research Center : The Wuhu Chinese Alligator Breeding Research Center is a major captive-breeding facility in Anhui, China. Its breeding program maintains a large captive population for conservation.
Wetland drainage : Wetland drainage is the removal or diversion of water to convert wet ground to another use. Drainage for agriculture and development has reduced suitable habitat.
Crocodile : A crocodile is a crocodilian in the family Crocodylidae, generally distinguished from alligators by a narrower snout and visible lower teeth when the mouth is closed. The Chinese alligator is an alligator, not a member of the crocodile family.
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