240 Small Homes for Small Gators

240 Small Homes for Small Gators

From Herpetological Highlights by Herpetological Highlights

February 14, 2026 · 40 min · Episode 240

About this episode

The episode discusses conservation efforts for the critically endangered Chinese alligator and introduces two new species of sand swimming skinks from Madagascar.

Chinese conservationists have worked hard to protect the critically endangered Chinese alligator, creating new habitats for them after significant alterations made most of their Yangtze River home unsuitable. Thanks to the power of GPS technology, we now have some fascinating insights into how they are using the wetlands they are being reintroduced to, and it's mixed news. We follow that chat up with two new species of sand swimming skinks from Madagascar, and some big news from Tom about a brand new mammal. Become a Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/herphighlights Merch: https://www.redbubble.com/people/herphighlights/shop Full reference list available here: http://www.herphighlights.podbean.com Main Paper References: Li M, Sun K, Wang Z, Zhang C, Gao Y, Zhang S, Tu G, Wu X, Pan T. 2025. Extremely limited spatial and temporal utilization for wild Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). Biology Letters 21:20250513. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2025.0513. Species of the Bi-Week: Miralles A, Schmidt R, Rakotoarison A, Delaunay A, Freiwald A, Rahagalala NA, Rakotomanga S, Razafimanafo D, Ratsoavina FM, Crottini A, Raselimanana AP, Glaw F, Vences M. 2025. Integrative taxonomy of Madagascar’s…

Topics covered

  • Chinese alligator
  • conservation
  • habitat
  • Madagascar
  • sand swimming skinks
  • new species

Keywords

  • GPS technology
  • Yangtze River
  • species discovery
  • mammal news

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Patreon, Redbubble

Places: Yangtze River, Madagascar

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