Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis)

Compact, ancient, and incredibly rare, the Chinese Alligator is one of the most endangered crocodilian species in the world. Native to eastern China, this small-bodied alligator is distinguished by its shorter, broader snout, heavier body armor, and a more subdued gray-olive coloration compared to its American cousin. Its unique look and deep evolutionary history make it a species of immense scientific and conservation importance.

Unlike larger crocodilians, the Chinese Alligator is known for its relatively shy, reclusive nature and seasonal dormancy behaviors, including brumation in underground burrows. With fewer than a few hundred individuals remaining in the wild, nearly all Chinese Alligators today exist within protected breeding and conservation programs.

Highlights

One of the rarest crocodilian species on Earth
Compact size with heavy dorsal armor and broad snout
Native to the Yangtze River basin region of China
High conservation and educational significance

Care & Conservation Notes
Chinese Alligators are strictly protected under international and national law. They are not available for private ownership and are housed exclusively in accredited zoos, research institutions, and conservation breeding programs focused on species survival and reintroduction efforts.

Rare, resilient, and irreplaceable—the Chinese Alligator is a living relic of prehistoric times and a powerful symbol of global conservation efforts.