Shinisaurus crocodilurus crocodilurus
(Ahl, 1930)
Vernacular names
English : Chinese crocodile lizard
French : Lézard crocodile de Chine
Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Shinisauridae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.
Identification
This species reaches a length of 40 cm and a weight of 150 grams. Tail shows two rows of spines (crocodile-like). Coloration grayish-red to greenish. This subspecies usually has much less red-orange coloration around head and throat but this is variable.
Range and habitat
The subspecies occurs in South East China (provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Hunan). Other subspecies endemic to north Vietnam. Found around river banks with overgrowing vegetation at 500 to 700 meters above sea level.
Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : Very rare in the wild, declining because of overharvesting and habitat destruction. Some populations (in Hunan) could be extinct. Species targeted by captive breeding programs in Europe.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known
Observation
