It looks like a cross between a chameleon and a mosaic. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park in Devon has bred a Chinese crocodile lizard for the first time - by recreating a little piece of rural South China in suburban South Devon.
Probably most of us have never heard of a Chinese crocodile lizard. It’s not surprising; this small, semiaquatic lizard is found only in the provinces of southern China and northern Vietnam. It’s listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to severe population declines and habitat threats.
No other BIAZA zoo has ever bred this species before. Luke Harding, Paignton Zoo’s Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates, is understandably excited: “This is a species that many other collections in the UK keep and work with. For us to successfully cycle and breed them is testimony to the progress of our department, the quality of our facilities and the expertise in our team!”
What, then, was the key to Paignton Zoo’s saurian success? Simply this – a full understanding of the species, the cycle of the seasons and the environment in which it lives, from weather to water. Luke continued: “Individuals went through a cool period when we kept them below 20 degrees and were then paired up for breeding at temperatures of on average 25 degrees.
“They bred in a semi-aquatic set up with a planted land area and branches and cork bark above the water for basking. An automated misting system was installed after the cool period to spray the animals regularly throughout the day and increase humidity.
“We weigh them at least every three months to monitor their health and ensure they are a good weight before attempting to pair them. They eat mainly worms but also insects such as crickets. We feed them three times per week and often do it by hand using tongs so we can observe them eating.”
The Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) has bony scales down its back and a muscular tail that resembles that of a crocodile. A 2008 study estimated fewer than one thousand crocodile lizards were left in China. The same year it was estimated that fewer than 150 adults were left in Vietnam. Habitat loss is a major threat to the species. It has been listed on CITES Appendix II since 1990; it’s believed that illegal collection is rife.
The Chinese crocodile lizard spends much of its time in shallow water or in overhanging branches and vegetation, from where it hunts for insects, snails, tadpoles, and worms.
Related Members
-
NewsYorkshire wildlife park celebrates the birth of a cute Gelada Monkey 26th April, 2024Award-winning Yorkshire wildlife park is celebrating the birth of a cute Gelada Monkey. The baby boy was born on the 23 March to mum Feven and dad…
-
News‘Extinct’ dove takes flight at Paignton Zoo 25th April, 2024The Socorro dove is extinct in the wild. However, Paignton Zoo in Devon is not only home to these rare birds, but keepers are proud to announce that a…
-
NewsZSL leads Earth Day lessons for schoolchildren at 10 Downing Street 24th April, 2024Today, to mark Earth Day 2024, pupils from Greater Manchester, South Wales and London schools had the unique experience of stepping inside 10 Downing…