Close
Tickets & Memberships
v
Tickets & Memberships Day Tickets Memberships Educational Visits/ Group Tickets Experiences Zoo Map Customer login
Online Shop & Experiences
v
Online Shop Experiences Adoptions Memberships Merchandise Gift Vouchers
World of Animals
v
World of Animals Cats Large Mammals Small Mammals Primates Reptiles & Invertebrates World of Birds Farmyard Experiences Adoptions
Dinosaurs & Attractions
v
Dinosaurs World of Dinosaurs Dinosaurs at our Zoo Adopt a dinosaur Attractions Tumble Jungle Boulders beach Rex Express Train Safari Adventure Golf Play Areas Feeds, talks & shows National Speedway Museum
Conservation & Education
v
Conservation & Education Education Our charity at Hertfordshire Zoo The Big Cat Sanctuary, Our Sister Charity What We Do What You Can Do Donate Volunteer Conservation Partners Sustainability Heroes Grants
Need to Know
v
Need to Know... Accessibility & Additional Facilities FAQ's Finding us & Opening times Visiting Food Outlets at Hertfordshire Zoo Zoo Map About Us Work at Hertfordshire Zoo! Work Experience & Research Shows & Talks Meet our Trustees & Ambassadors Volunteering Opportunities Location & Filming enquires Risk Assessments Contact us
News & Socials
v
News & Socials Articles Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok Twitter Contact PR
Events
v
Events All events
EN10 7QA
01992 470490
info@hertfordshirezoo.com
Sign-in
Big Cat Sanctuary
Contact

Chinese Crocodile Lizard

This semiaquatic lizard is found only in China and Vietnam.

Two rigid rows of scales along its tail give this reptile a crocodilian appearance.

  • Least Concern
  • Near Threatened
  • Vulnerable
  • Endangered
  • Critically Endangered
  • Extinct in the Wild
  • Extinct

FACTS ABOUT CHINESE CROCODILE LIZARDS

The Chinese crocodile lizard spends much of its time in shallow water or in overhanging branches and vegetation, where it hunts its prey of insects, snails, tadpoles, and worms. Individuals in captivity may be fed baby mice. A rare and little-studied lizard, which regulates the international trade of specimens.

Conservation

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.

Key Facts

Family:
Shinisauridae.
Diet:
Invertebrates, like insects, snails, and tadpoles.
Life Span:
10 years
Distribution:
North America - specifically Sonora, Sinaloa and Chihuahua.
Habitat:
Subtropical forest in the mountains of southern China
Length:
Eight to 16 inches
Weight:
Seven to 10 ounces
Did you know?
This reptile is sometimes referred to as the "lizard of great sleepiness" by indigenous people.

Experiences

Big Cat Experience
Meerkat Experiences
Capybara Experiences
Red Panda Experiences – 2024 Sold Out
Wolf Experience
Feed the Lemurs
Sloth Experience
Tapir Experiences
Shadow a Zookeeper Experience
Mini Zookeeper Experience
Junior Zookeeper Experience
Big Cat Experience
Meerkat Experiences
Capybara Experiences
Red Panda Experiences – 2024 Sold Out
Wolf Experience
Feed the Lemurs
Sloth Experience
Tapir Experiences
Shadow a Zookeeper Experience
Mini Zookeeper Experience
Junior Zookeeper Experience

Events

Christmas Bingo
26 Nov 2024
The Grinch Visits Hertfordshire Zoo!
30 Nov 2024 - 21 Dec 2024
Christmas at Hertfordshire Zoo
30 Nov 2024 - 24 Dec 2024
Celebration of Speedway
16 Mar 2025

News

Black Friday deals are on their way!
Wed 20th November 2024
The Grinch Visits Hertfordshire Zoo!
Sat 16th November 2024
Noel Gallaghers Daughter Visits Penguins!
Fri 8th November 2024
Protecting critically endangered Penguins
Fri 1st November 2024
Eco-Friendly Pumpkin Disposal
Wed 30th October 2024

Stay up to date with events, experiences, zoo news and more with our newsletter

Social

Affiliation

Buy tickets
Book Tickets