|
|
|
| Range: Southeastern United States. Mid to southern Alabama, Southern Arkansas, Coastal North & South Carolina, Florida, Georgia (south of mid state), Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, now recognized as a species of west Tennessee, Texas. Habitat: Primarily freshwater swamps and marshes.
The American Alligator can also be found in rivers, lakes and smaller bodies of water. They can tolerate a
reasonable degree of salinity for short periods of time. Occasionally
found in brackish water around mangrove swamps, although they lack the buccal
salt-secreting glands present in crocodiles.
Construction of burrows is well documented in this species. The burrows are used for shelter and hibernation when the seasonal temperatures fall. Even outside their burrows, they can tolerate limited periods of freezing conditions. Alligators are quite capable of digging. Alligators can change or modify their habitat through the creation of 'gator holes', which provide a refuge for other animals during dry periods. Utilizing both their feet and tails the American Alligator will excavate the soft sandy soil to create the dug out. Even the Alligator is not capable of providing himself for water permanently, once a "gator hole" dries out the animal will travel across dry land, occasionally great distances, in search of suitable water. Alligators near human habitation are often seen crossing roads, entering suburbs and finding shelter in swimming pools during the drier months. Size: 8-12 Feet on average (19' 2" Record) Males substantially larger than females (dimorphism). Status: Stable in the majority of it's natural range. Expatriated from portions due primarily to human habitation. Original range of the American Alligator is debated, populations may have occurred as far north as Memphis, Tennessee along the Mississippi river in years past. The alligator is now being found with greater frequency this far north today. It is debatable as to whether the advent of global warming or just an expanding population are responsible for the alligators natural range expansion. Warming winter temperatures may allow this species to continue to expand it's range. The American alligator may actually occur in a higher density than ever before in some portions of it's range where predators such as Bobcats etc. have been removed. The removal of such predators may be allowing more of the eggs and hatchlings to reach adulthood than in historical times. Rain Forest Facts: A true poster child of conservation, the American Alligator has made a remarkable comeback. Over collection for the skin trade from the early 1920's through the early 1960's nearly brought an end to this majestic creature. Wise intervention on the behalf of the United States government not only protected the American Alligator but actually assisted in the management of captive populations for an incredibly successful reintroduction program. As is the case with most crocodilians, the American Alligator
As with most crocodilians the American Alligator is highly opportunistic in it's feeding. The American alligator is one of the most vocal species of reptiles. The bellowing call of an adult male alligator can be heard a considerable distance. Vocalization by the young alligators is typically directed at their mother. The breeding season of the American alligator lasts from April to May, the southern portion of the range starts earlier than in the more northern populations. A female will lay 25 to 60 eggs in a mound of vegetation. The eggs are incubated by both the compost process of the vegetation and the warmth of the sun The eggs of the American Alligator typically hatch in approximately 60-70 days. The mother alligators guard their nests and protect their young for several months after they hatch. Some female alligators have been known to allow juveniles to remain near her for protection for periods up to 3 years. American alligators often have a dramatic impact on their natural surroundings. The gator will dig excavations known as "gator holes", which support a whole community of other creatures and plants. By building up the land around the gator holes, they create new places for plants to grow. Gator holes also provide water to various species of animals during a drought, thus the alligator plays an integral role in the environment.
|
|
|
is
highly nocturnal. Virtually all feeding is conducted at night.
Food items for the American Alligator vary widely based on the age of the animal
and available prey items. Young alligators will seek out small shell fish
as well as large insects, slowly graduating in size of meal the alligator will
continue to increase the size of the item eaten as it grows in size.