Krokodilschwanzechse (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) im Zoo Zürich

Chinese crocodile lizard

Shinisaurus crocodilurus

Krokodilschwanzechsen sind gute Schwimmer. Sie halten sich gerne auf Ästen über dem Wasser auf. Bei Gefahr lassen sie sich ins Wasser fallen, wo sie bis zu dreissig Minuten untergetaucht bleiben können.

EN

Red List
Endangered

Chinese crocodile lizards are territorial. When the weather turns cooler, particularly at higher altitudes, they enter a state of ‘winter rest’.

Unlike many other reptiles, Chinese crocodile lizards do not lay eggs but give birth to live juveniles. Up to fifteen juveniles, each about ten to fifteen centimetres long, are born in quick succession.

The Chinese crocodile lizard has become very rare and is critically endangered. On the one hand, they are now found only within a limited range, where their habitat is disappearing as a result of climate change. On the other hand, humans are destroying their natural habitats. Added to this is the decimation of the population caused by illegal hunting for the animal trade and traditional Chinese medicine.

Taxonomy

Shinisauridae, genus Shinisaurus (1 species)

Habitat

ponds and slow-flowing watercourses with dense vegetation along the banks

Behaviour and ecology

territorial

Social structure

solitary

Taxonomy

Shinisauridae, genus Shinisaurus (1 species)

Habitat

ponds and slow-flowing watercourses with dense vegetation along the banks

Behaviour and ecology

territorial

Social structure

solitary

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Chinese crocodile lizard for CHF 300.–

Become a godparent

Godparent

Support the animals of Zoo Zurich with your annual godparent sponsorship

Chinese crocodile lizard for CHF 300.–

Become a godparent
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