Natural Habitat for Alligators
The alligator (also known as alligator mississippiensis, the American alligator, or 'gator) is found throughout the southeast United States. Due to stringent conservation policies, the alligator--once near extinction--is no longer a threatened species. Alligators are large reptiles: On average, male alligators will reach 12 to 15 feet in length, while female alligators average around 10 feet long. The alligator has a powerful tail, thick skin and powerful jaws; in a bite, it can even crack a turtle's shell. Alligators have a comparatively long lifespan, living up to 50 years in the wild.
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Population Distribution
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Alligators are found primarily in the regions of the southeastern U.S. states. They inhabit freshwater habitats with available prey. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas all have alligators. Human encroachment on alligator habitats has occurred historically, especially in areas of industrial or commercial development in the Gulf of Mexico. Conservation statutes in Florida, Texas and elsewhere have ensured that the alligator has the proper habitat to survive.
Aquatic Habitat
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Alligators typically take up residence in freshwater rivers without rapid or aggressive currents. Freshwater swamps, marshes and lakes are also habitats frequently inhabited by alligators. A proper habitat has adequate prey for survival, in addition to the mud and vegetation detritus necessary to build a nest. Because alligators lack salt glands, they can only be exposed to salt water for short periods of time. For this reason, alligators will occasionally enter salt water to pursue prey or forage, but will immediately return to their freshwater habitat.
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Feeding Habits and Habitat
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The alligator is primarily opportunistic, meaning its diet will vary based upon the availability of different prey in its habitat. The alligator is a predator, relying heavily upon fish and in-range land-dwelling animals; turtles, birds, reptiles (including other alligators), fish, deer and even dogs and cats are viable prey for the alligator. Young alligators feed primarily on insects, frogs and small fish.
Climate and Habitat
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The alligator, being cold-blooded, requires a fairly moderate climate to survive. At temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the alligator ceases to feed and its metabolic processes slow down. The climate of the alligator's habitat also plays a role in the hatching and sex of eggs. After the female lays her eggs, the temperature of the nest--created by the season and climate of the region--determines which sex hatches. Nests above 91 degrees Farenheit will result in male births, while those below 85 degrees will see female births.
Lifecycle and Habitat
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Female alligators lay between 40 and 60 eggs annually, with a hatching rate of about 50 percent. The alligator breeds year-round. It builds a nest or den out of mud, sticks, leaves and detritus. After about two months, the eggs hatch and the female alligator leads the baby alligators to water to begin foraging for food. Young alligators may stay with their mother for up to 24 months, until they grow large enough to adequately feed and defend themselves.
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References
- Photo Credit alligator image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
