Chinese crocodile tail lizard

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Chinese crocodile tail lizard
Chinese crocodile tail lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)

Chinese crocodile tail lizard ( Shinisaurus crocodilurus )

Systematics
Order : Scale reptiles (Squamata)
without rank: Toxicofera
without rank: Sneaky (Anguimorpha)
Family : Shinisauridae
Genre : Shinisaurus
Type : Chinese crocodile tail lizard
Scientific name of the  family
Shinisauridae
Ahl , 1930
Scientific name of the  genus
Shinisaurus
Ahl, 1930
Scientific name of the  species
Shinisaurus crocodilurus
Ahl, 1930
Head of the Chinese crocodile tail lizard

The Chinese crocodile tail lizard ( Shinisaurus crocodilurus ) is one of the rarest reptile species . It was previously placed in the family of the humpback lizards (Xenosauridae), but is now assigned to a monotypic family, the Shinisauridae.

description

The Chinese crocodile tail lizard reaches a length of 40–45 cm. It is named after the scaling of the tail , which is very reminiscent of armored lizards. The coloring of the skin is predominantly brown. The ventral side is yellowish to reddish. Overall, males are more strongly colored than females. The Chinese crocodile tail lizard has a strong relationship with water. She can stay underwater for over half an hour. She can close her eyelids. The moult is also performed under water. During the winter months it hibernates for 3 to 4 months .

In 1990 this lizard was included in Appendix II of the Washington Convention on Endangered Species . At that time, the total population was estimated at 2,500 specimens. In 2005 the wild population sank to 600 to 800 animals. The main reasons for the sharp decline in population are the destruction of the habitats and the catch for trade and traditional Chinese medicine .

distribution

This rare species of lizard occurs in the wild only in two very limited areas. On the one hand there is a population of around 600 animals in the Chinese autonomous region of Guangxi and on the other hand a second population of unknown size in Vietnam . The lizard prefers humid to semi-humid climates . Their habitats are limited to small areas of slowly flowing water as well as ponds and pools with dense bank vegetation. It can be found at heights of up to 700 meters.

food

The Chinese crocodile tail lizard feeds mainly on water crabs, smaller amphibians , tadpoles and worms. But insects and the brood of rodents are also eaten.

Reproduction

Very little is known about reproduction in their natural habitats. The lizard is a live-bearing reptile . Between 5 and 15 young animals are born. The young animals are 10 to 15 cm at birth and weigh an average of 5 grams.

Systematics

The Chinese crocodile tail lizard was formerly part of the family Xenosauridae together with the American hump lizard ( Xenosaurus ). Molecular biological studies indicate a relationship with the monitor lizards ( Varanus ) and the Borneo deaf monitor ( Lanthanotus borneensis ), while Xenosaurus is more closely related to the sneaks (Anguidae), so that the family Shinisauridae was established for the crocodile tail lizard.

Hazards and protective measures

This species is seriously threatened in its existence through illegal hunting, destruction of its habitat through the construction of human settlements and roads. It is listed as Endangered by the IUCN . Several protected areas in their natural habitat, breeding in captivity and trade restrictions serve to protect the species. The Chinese crocodile tail lizard is listed in Appendix I of the Washington Convention on Species Protection and in Appendix A of Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 .

literature

  • Manfred Rogner : Lizards. Volume 2: Monitor lizards, skinks and other lizards as well as bridge lizards and crocodiles. Ulmer, Stuttgart 1994, ISBN 3-8001-7253-4 .

Web links

Commons : Chinese Crocodile Tail Lizard  - Album with pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Ted M. Townsend, Allan Larson, Edward Louis, J. Robert Macey: Molecular Phylogenetics of Squamata: The Position of Snakes, Amphisbaenians, and Dibamids, and the Root of the Squamate Tree. In: Systematic Biology. Vol. 3, No. 5, 2004, pp. 735-757, doi : 10.1080 / 10635150490522340 , PMID 15545252 .
  2. Shinisaurus crocodilurus in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2014.1. Posted by: Nguyen, TQ, Hamilton, P. & Ziegler, T., 2014. Retrieved June 11, 2014.
  3. Regulation (EU) 2017/160 of the Commission of January 20, 2017 amending Council Regulation (EC) No. 338/97 on the protection of specimens of wild fauna and flora by monitoring trade , accessed on February 16, 2017 . In: Official Journal of the European Union .