How long and how heavy can the "living fossil" Chinese alligator grow? Is it a mammal? Where is it distributed?

The Chinese alligator is a crocodilian species unique to China and one of the smallest crocodilian species in the world. Many features of early dinosaur-era reptiles can still be found in the Chinese alligator. So,“living fossil”how long and how heavy can the Chinese alligator grow? Is it a mammal? Where is it distributed?

I. How long and how heavy can the Chinese alligator grow?

According to Chordata records, the Chinese alligator can grow 1-2 m long and weighs about 36 kg. Its head is relatively large, and its scales have more granular and banded patterns. Chinese alligator scales are essentially similar to dermal scales, and their formation has similarities to the development of bird feathers.

II. Is the Chinese alligator a mammal?

The Chinese alligator is not a mammal. It is both ancient and a reptile whose existing population is very small and which is endangered in the world. The Chinese alligator is oviparous. In early June, Chinese alligators mate in the water and fertilize internally. Around early July, the female alligator begins to build a round nest for laying eggs in a suitable place using weeds, dead branches and mud, laying about 10—30 eggs per nest. The eggs are laid in grass and covered with weeds, while the mother alligator guards beside them, relying on natural temperature for incubation, and the incubation period is about 60 days. The young alligators hatch in September. It has hibernation habits. The eggs are grayish-white and slightly larger than chicken eggs.

III. Where is the Chinese alligator distributed?

The Chinese alligator is mainly distributed in lakes, ponds and swamps in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River in China. The Chinese alligator likes quiet, often hiding in burrows during the day, and going out at night to forage. However, it sometimes also comes out during the day, especially liking to bask in the sun on the banks and sandy beaches near its burrow. It often keeps its eyes tightly closed and lies motionless in a semi-sleep state, giving people the false impression that it moves slowly. But once it encounters an enemy or finds food, it will immediately swing its thick tail forcefully left and right, quickly sinking to the bottom of the water to avoid enemies or chase prey.

The Chinese alligator has a large food intake and can store a large amount of absorbed nutrients in its body, because it has a strong ability to endure hunger and can get through the long hibernation period, so the Chinese alligator can go without eating for a long time.