The Chinese alligator, Alligator sinensis, is a small, rare species native to the Yangtze River basin in China. It has a robust body, armored scales, and a broad snout. It is primarily nocturnal, inhabiting freshwater wetlands and marshes, and plays a crucial role in controlling local fish populations.

The Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) is native to the lower Yangtze River basin in eastern China. Historically, it was found in the provinces of Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Anhui. However, due to habitat loss and other factors, its current range is primarily restricted to a few small areas in Anhui Province, particularly within the Anhui Alligator Nature Reserve.

The natural habitat of the Chinese alligator consists of slow-moving freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. These environments are typically characterized by a warm temperate climate with four distinct seasons, including hot, humid summers and cold winters. The region experiences a monsoon climate, contributing to the seasonal variation in water levels and temperatures.

Chinese alligators are primarily nocturnal and spend much of their time in burrows which they dig in the banks of water bodies. These burrows provide shelter and maintain a stable temperature throughout the year, which is crucial for surviving the cold winters. The species is typically found in habitats with abundant aquatic vegetation, which supports a diverse range of prey species. Their diet consists of fish, snails, and small mammals, playing a role as both predator and prey within their ecosystem.