Abstract <p>Although nesting behavior and activity patterns of the Chinese alligator (<i>Alligator sinensis</i>) during the breeding season are crucial for offspring survival, previous studies have partially investigated these aspects; however, further research is needed to integrate existing findings and address remaining gaps. This study aimed to explore the behavior and activity patterns of Chinese alligators at their nests in a natural environment during the breeding season. Data collection occurred in two different regions (A and B) using cameras and camera traps. Region A is an agricultural area, while Region B is a hilly and mountainous area. A total of 23 species were recorded visiting Chinese alligator nests, including primary (hog badger and wild boar) and potential (Siberian weasel) predators. Chinese alligators successfully repelled predators’ attacks during the breeding season and prevented nest destruction. The degree of habitat disturbance influenced the frequency and duration of nest visits by Chinese alligators. Specifically, the disturbance levels were higher (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.01) in Region A compared to Region B. Moreover, nest visit patterns were linked to the visitation patterns of other species. Furthermore, Chinese alligators exhibited strong parental care behaviors, such as assisting hatchlings in emerging from nests and transporting them to water, which were critical for successful young hatching. In conclusion, this study enriched the behavioral information of crocodilian species during the breeding season and provided valuable insights into the adaptive nesting behaviors of Chinese alligators. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for endangered species’ survival and population recovery.</p> Significance statement <p>This study provides a comprehensive examination of the nesting behavior and activity patterns of the critically endangered Chinese alligator (<i>Alligator sinensis</i>) during the breeding season, offering significant insights into its ecological adaptations, parental care behaviors, and interactions with other species across distinct habitat types. Our findings reveal: The strong parental care exhibited by Chinese alligators, including assisting hatchlings and defending nests from primary predators such as wild boars (<i>Sus scrofa</i>) and hog badgers (<i>Arctonyx collaris</i>). A significant influence of habitat disturbance on nest visit frequencies was observed, with higher disturbance levels in agricultural areas. A correlation between Chinese alligator nest visitation patterns and the activity patterns of other species, suggesting ecological synchrony.</p>