It hibernates in the winter inburrows in the damp earth. Estimated at 500 in the wild. But there are many more in captive populations. Habitat destruction and intentional extermination by expanding human populations. During the flood season many alligators drown while hibernating.
Severe drought destroys their wetland homes.
Protected by the Chinese Government. There are alligator-rearing centres in Anhui and outside China. Scattered populations in the Atlantic Coastal Forests of Brazil, mainly in fertile hilly areas. A timber tree, prized for expensive furniture, musical instruments and crafts. It grows 15-25 metres high, with a thin trunk of 0.3 to 0.4 metres in diameter.