Chinese Crocodile Lizard Shinisaurus crocodilurus

The Chinese Crocodile Lizard is semi-aquatic and native to forests of southern China and north Vietnam.

The only species in its genus, it can remain under water for long periods to escape predators.

The back and, especially, the tail resemble those of crocodiles - hence their name. Males are brightly-coloured with red, yellow and black bands in the breeding season.

Prey includes insects, molluscs and worms. Its nearest living relatives are thought to be the toxic Heloderma genus of lizards of the Americas.

Having survived from the time of the dinosaurs, the only remaining branch of their family, they are now endangered by continued and extensive habitat destruction and over-harvesting.