Chinese Alligator
Alligator sinensis

A full-grown Chinese alligator is only about half as big as its cousin, the American alligator. Despite its fearsome reputation, it is shy and too small to be much of a threat to humans, yet human activities are pushing it along the path toward extinction. Habitat loss, collection, over-hunting and direct persecution are putting the survival of the estimated 150 Chinese alligators remaining in the wild at risk.

Fact File

Length: Up to 6.5 ft

Weight: 50 to 85 lbs

Habitat: Rivers, streams, marshes and other bodies of water

Prey: Primarily aquatic animals such as fish and mussels, some land animals

Non-venomous

Status: Species at Risk (IUCN—Critically Endangered)