American Alligator

About

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large crocodilian reptile native to the Southeastern United States and a small part of northeastern Mexico. It is known for its broad snout and dark coloration, often appearing olive, brown, gray, or nearly black with a creamy underside. Adults can reach lengths of 11 to 15 feet and weigh up to 1,100 pounds, making them the largest reptiles in North America. They inhabit freshwater environments such as marshes, swamps, and lakes, playing a crucial role as apex predators and ecosystem engineers. Conservation efforts have significantly increased the population of American alligators, which now range between 750,000 and 1,000,000 individuals. Historically listed as endangered, they were removed from this status in 1987 due to successful recovery programs. Alligators are carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey including fish, birds, and small mammals. They exhibit parental care, with females protecting their young for up to a year. As a keystone species, their presence benefits numerous other species by creating habitats through burrowing activities. Despite current stability, habitat loss remains a significant threat to their ecosystem.