Leaping Lizards! Zoo Welcomes Seven Rare Hatchlings

Congratulations are in order for the Staten Island Zoo!  They recently announced the successful hatch of seven Chinese Crocodile Lizards.  The little lizards are about the length of three pennies but they represent a huge contribution to their species.  Their home range extends through Vietnam and China but human development has depleted the shallow rivers and vegetation where they swim for prey.  Scientists estimate only 1,000 of the endangered lizards remain in their native habitat.

(Seven newly hatched lizards compare to a penny in size. Image Credit: Staten Island Zoo)

Fun Fact: unlike most reptiles, Chinese Crocodile Lizards give birth to live young instead of laying eggs!

Read more about the lizards at ZooBorns and ARKive.

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