The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large crocodilian native to the Southeastern United States. Known for its iconic V-shaped snout, this species has a rich history and plays a crucial role in its ecosystem.
Adult males can grow up to 14-16 feet in length, with females typically smaller, averaging about 9 feet. They possess a robust body, a powerful tail, and strong jaws with 74-80 teeth. Their skin is thick and covered with bony plates called osteoderms, providing protection.
The American Alligator thrives in freshwater environments like swamps, rivers, lakes, and marshes. They are found in states such as Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama.
Breeding occurs in the late spring to early summer. Females build nests from vegetation, laying 20 to 50 eggs. The sex of the offspring is determined by the nest temperature, with higher temperatures producing males. After an incubation period of about 65 days, the hatchlings vocalize, prompting the mother to assist in their emergence.
Once on the brink of extinction due to hunting for their hides in the early 20th century, conservation efforts, including the Endangered Species Act, have led to a significant recovery of the population. Today, they are listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN, but habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict remain challenges.