A Chinese crocodile lizard has been born naturally in an artificial stream in the Luokeng area of the Nanling National Park (Candidate Area) in Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province. It marks the first such case in the province and a major milestone in the conservation of this rare reptile under first-class national protection.
The stream, located in the Crocodile Lizard Park in the Luokeng area, is a carefully designed artificial habitat rather than a natural watercourse. Construction began in 2022, and the site was put into use in 2024. Every detail, from rock placement and forest vegetation to water layout, is designed to replicate the natural structure and ecological functions of the species' native habitat. The stream currently houses eight crocodile lizards. 
The successful birth confirms the effectiveness of the simulated habitat. Within the artificial environment, the lizards have completed a full natural breeding cycle, including courtship, mating, and birth, showing that the habitat is close to wild standards in terms of comfort, safety, and ecological suitability.
The species born in the artificial streams will ultimately be released to natural mountain creeks once the juveniles develop the ability to survive independently, to support the recovery of the species' wild population.
Author | He Fengyu
Photo | Shaoguan Qujiang Fabu
