Identification:
The Chinese Water Dragon (Physignathus cocincinus) has a body length of approximately 240 mm. Females typically have a distinctly flattened body and tail. Body scales are uniform in size. A nuchal crest and a dorsal crest are present, connecting and extending from the nape to the tail. The crest is usually higher in males than in females. There are 4 to 8 femoral pores (pre-cloacal or femoral pores) located on the inner thigh. The dorsal surface is green or dark green, while the ventral surface is white. The tail exhibits alternating bands of gray-brown and yellow.
Biology and Ecology:
Chinese Water Dragons typically inhabit midland and mountainous regions, often found in climbing plants along streams. Their life is closely linked to aquatic environments. They move quickly on land, occasionally climb trees, and frequently perch on horizontal branches overhanging the water. They are good swimmers but only do so when necessary. Their diet consists of insects, myriapods, and earthworms. They lay approximately 5-16 eggs in a sandy pit among rocks near a water source, covering them with sand between April and August each year. During winter, they hibernate in dry crevices or damp cavities within decaying trees.
Distribution:
Within Vietnam: Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Yen Bai, Bac Kan, Thai Nguyen, Lang Son, Hoa Binh, Bac Giang, Quang Ninh, Vinh Phuc (Tam Dao); Ha Tay (Ba Vi), Phu Tho, Ninh Binh (Cuc Phuong), Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien – Hue, Quang Nam, Kontum, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh, Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Kien Giang.
Worldwide: Southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan), Laos, Cambodia, Eastern Thailand.
Value:
As a relatively large reptile with an attractive crest, it possesses aesthetic value. It is often kept in zoos to provide students with insights into its ecology.
Conservation Status:
The population has declined by at least 20%. Historical and current threats include habitat loss and degradation due to environmental exploitation, hunting, and illegal trade.
Classification:
VU A1c,d (Vulnerable)
Conservation Measures:
Hunting and trade should be prohibited. Captive breeding and reintroduction programs in their distribution range are needed to conserve the gene pool.