Category: Reptiles
This species is significantly smaller than its only close cousin, the American alligator. It is further distinguished from its American relative by its fully armored body – even its underside is protected by thick, horny scales. This species is critically endangered in the wild due to habitat conversion and inhabits only a tiny portion of its original range.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_alligator
http://www.stlzoo.org/animals/abouttheanimals/reptiles/alligatorsandcrocodiles/chinesealligator
The not-a-snake
The slow worm has a long body, lacks limbs, and is covered in lustrous scales - so is it a snake? No, it is a lizard! Because unlike snakes, the slow worm has eyelids, visible ears, and like many lizards, its tail can break off in the mouth of a predator, allowing them to escape for another day. The slow worm belongs to the Anguidae family, and similarly (but independently) lost their limbs to better adapt to their environments. These “not-snakes” can be found in gardens throughout Europe and the UK, helping to control the population of slugs and other pests, though you probably won’t see any if you have a cat: a slow worm will likely prove a favorite food of your cat!
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