Alligator Lizard

Alligator Lizards are found in the Amazonian regions of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. They inhabit seasonally flooded lowlands, marshes and the banks of rivers and streams.

They spend much of their time in water and their bodies have adapted to survive in this environment. They have a long, flattened tail, with a caiman-like dorsal crest that is very useful for swimming and diving. They have strong jaws to feed on their prey, which is mainly snails.

They are solitary and good climbers, as well as being good swimmers. They often climb trees to bask in the sun, generally near water so that they can escape if they are in danger. During the night, they hide in bushes. After mating, the female lays 3 to 10 eggs in a hole in a river bank and covers them with soil to protect them. When the hatchlings hatch, after 5 to 6 months of incubation, they must fend for themselves as there is no parental care.

Numbers of these species have declined mainly due to the loss of its habitat caused by pollution and deforestation.