Endangered alligators sleep as humans take measures to save them

As critically endangered Chinese alligators lie asleep, dreaming whatever alligators dream during hibernation, the government of Anhui province is taking action to protect the species.

Measures include banning unauthorized humans in the core area of the province's 18,565-hectare National Chinese Alligator Natural Reserve, according to a document soliciting public opinion published by the provincial forestry administration on Feb 15.

Set up in the 1980s in the rural areas of Xuancheng and Wuhu cities, the reserve is divided into three areas - a core area, an experimental area and a buffer zone - according to Zhou Le, head of the provincial forestry administration's general office.