Chinese Alligator
Today’s adventure takes us ALL the way to Eastern China! Have you ever been on a plane? Or gone to China?
We are headed deep into the marshlands to study the Chinese Alligator.
Let’s Go!
Critter At A Glance
What makes the Chinese Alligator different from the others? The Chinese Alligator is the only member of the alligator family that isn’t found in the Americas. It is much smaller than the American Alligator, capping out at 5 feet long. Most of them only weigh as much as a 1st grader when they’re fully grown. They have a strong turned up snout and bony plates over their eyelids.
How do they raise their young? Once babies hatch from their eggs, they stay close with each other and their mother for years. The babies make a distinct call when they are distressed and need their protective mother.
What else do we know? These critters are nocturnal and stay in burrows during the heat of the day. This also gives them protection from humans. In the colder months, they hibernate in burrows and emerge in April to find sunny spots to lay out. Their diet is mostly snails, crustaceans, insects and fish. BUT, they take an opportunity as it arises and will also eat rodents if they can. Their teeth are very good at crushing shells and other difficult to chomp foods.
What do you think it’s like to spend months in a burrow during hibernation? Min is so excited to get out, but will she be ok?
Are you ready for an out of this world fact?
Social life begins before eggs even hatch. Nest mates communicate egg to egg and with parents. When it’s time, parents open the egg chambers so they all hatch together.
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Let’s make a paper chain alligator!
You need:
Green Popsicle Stick OR some green paint or a marker
2 green pipecleaners
white paper, scissors, and glue
2 google eyes or a black marker to draw some
Follow the fun video below!
Share your little Min alligator on Facebook or Instagram! #heymrjim
“Chinese Alligator | Smithsonian’s National Zoo.” Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 25 Apr. 2016, https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/chinese-alligator.