Chuck Ripper: Chinese Crocodile Lizard

Artist: Chuck Ripper
1929 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 2000
Image Size: 12.5 by 14.5 inches
Overall Size: 14.75 by 17.75 inches
Medium: Gouache Watercolor on Cold Press Watercolor Board

The Chinese Crocodile Lizard is one of several partially aquatic lizards. Found only in a remote mountainous area of Guangxi Autonomous Region in China, this species lives in and around clear pools with slow moving water. It prefers waters located in evergreen or bamboo forests with lianas dangling over the pool to channel generous supplies of ferns and humus-rich soil. Normally only one lizard occupies a pool, though areas with enough food may sometimes harbor two or three. The Chinese Crocodile Lizard is active during the day and sleeps soundly at night on overhanging vines. Locally, it's known as "very sleepy lizard," because once asleep this reptile is not easily disturbed and awakes slowly. After sunrise the Chinese Crocodile Lizard lethargically searches for food, reaching a maximum activity level by mid-morning. Although easy to catch at night and early morning, the Chinese Crocodile Lizard is highly alert in the daytime, immediately jumping into the pool when disturbed. Similar to its namesake, the Chinese Crocodile Lizard can remain under water for half an hour, after which it must push its head above water to breathe. During winter the Chinese Crocodile Lizard hibernates when the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius, but it may make an appearance when the sun rises and warms its environment. Water insects make up most of this species' diet, although the Chinese Crocodile Lizard also eats seeds, tadpoles and grasshoppers.

This painting originally appeared on the United Nations First Day Cover of the 33¢ Chinese Crocodile Lizard Endangered Species stamp issued April 6, 2000.

Artwork Copyright © 2000 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB16719

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