the american alligator photo © 2001 by kent vliet

The American Alligator

Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Today’s Topics

Natural History & General Information Current Issues Alligators & You


Origin of the Alligator name

“el largato” – “the lizard” “lagato” “alligator”


Alligator mississippiensis

Order Crocodylia American Crocodile

(Crocodylus acutus) also native to US

Most common of two crocodilians native to US


Alligator Range

Figure by Mazzoti & Brandt

Status

1987: Removed from Endangered Species List, but are classified as threatened in the state of Florida


1967: Endangered throughout range

Alligator Hunting

Regulated by the FFWCC Random lottery for permits

Photo by FL Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

Egg Harvesting

Eggs taken from nests Eggs incubated Alligators raised for meat and hides or

research


Alligators vs. Crocodiles

Photos © 2001 by Kent Vliet

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Alligators

Broad, rounded snout

Grayish-black coloration

Lack salt-excreting glands


Crocodiles

Narrow, pointed snout

Light tan or brown coloration

Possess salt-excreting glands


Male Alligators

Can reach up to 14 ft. long Can weigh over 1000 lbs. Reach sexual maturity at 6-7 ft.

- Average 9-12 years


Female Alligators

Can reach over 10 ft. long Can weigh over 250 lbs. Reach sexual maturity at 6 ft.

- Average 8-10 years


Alligators & Salt Water

Low tolerance for salt water Crocodiles tolerate salt water Alligators lack salt-excreting gland


Habitat

Live in wetlands, canals, streams, ponds, lakes, and marshes

Largest populations in FL found in nutrient-rich lakes and marshes

Also found in artificial aquatic habitats


Courtship


Courtship & Mating

Courtship begins in April

Male courtship displays

Male courtship bellow


Nesting


Nesting

Females build nests after mating Nests are located near the water Females use their hind and fore limbs,

and their mouths to build the nest Nest size varies from 2-3 ft. high x 5-7

ft. wide


Egg Laying

Most egg laying in Florida occurs in late June through early July

Females lay a single clutch of eggs (20-60) in a cavity at the top of the nest

Females guard the nest from predators such as raccoons, otters, skunks, and bears

Egg Development


Egg Development

65 day incubation period

Sex determined by temperature

100% Female nest: 87.8oF and below, or 95oF and above

100% Male nest: 90.5-92.3oF


Baby ‘Gators

Call to mother when hatching

Freed by mother 9-10 inches in

length


Juveniles

Often found in human-made freshwater habitats

9-10 years to reach 6 ft. long

Eat a variety of smaller animals


Cold-blooded Reptiles

Depend on external sources of heat to keep bodies warm

Most active at warmer temperatures


Alligator Dens

Build dens to stay warm, escape drought and heat

Built into the bank Vary in size


‘Gator Holes

Found in shallow wetlands (e.g., Everglades)

Vary in size Ecologically

important

Did you know……?

Alligator’s teeth were thought to be a magical ward against snakebite

Alligators have 74-80 teeth that will grow back if broken off

The crushing force in an alligator’s jaw is 3000 pounds per square inch

Alligators can swallow their food whole

Current Issues

Urbanization and Agriculture

Hydrological Conditions

- South Florida- North & Central

FloridaPhoto © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Urbanization

1000 people/day Reduced habitat for alligators

Increased proximity to humans

Water Issues in South Florida

Unnatural water patterns– High water levels– Areas with no water– Reduced habitat


Water Issues inNorth & Central Florida

Can survive in polluted or eutrophic environments

Disease and nutrition deficiencies Unknown causes for low hatchling

success and alligator die-offsPhoto by FL Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

Alligators & You

When alligators are nearby Finding an alligator in your pool Why you shouldn’t feed alligators


Alligators & You

Rarely aggressive towards humans

Keep an eye on pets Keep your distance Zig-zag running

pattern is a myth!

Gators in Swimming Pools

Call the FFWCC:– Emergencies: Check

the government section of your phone book for FFWCC regional numbers

– Nuisance alligator program

DO NOT FEED THE ALLIGATORS!

Illegal in Florida to feed a wild alligator

Lose natural fear of humans

Alligator becomes a nuisance


Alligator Do’s and Don’ts

DO Keep your distance

DO Keep an eye on children and pets

DO Swim only in designated areas

DON’T Feed any alligator

DON’T Approach any alligator

DON’T Swim at dusk or at night

Summary

Large, carnivorous freshwater reptile Courtship and mating occur in the

spring; eggs laid in June-July Gator holes are important in the

Everglades Urbanization and hydrological

conditions are largest threats

Summary

Do not feed alligators! For problem gators call

your regional FFWCC office


For More Information

Contact your regional FFWCC office www.crocodilian.com www.ifas.ufl.edu/AgriGator/gators http//:home.cfl.rr.com/gatorhole/

Acknowledgements

Developed by: Holly Head and Dr. Mark Hostetler, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, IFAS, University of Florida

In Conjunction with: – Dr. Kent Vliet, Department of Zoology, University of Florida

– Dr. Franklin Percival, Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

– Dr. Allan Woodward, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

– Matthew Chopp, Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit Audio Credits: Adam Britton, www.crocodilian.com Photo Credits:

– Dr. Kent Vliet, Department of Zoology, University of Florida

– Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

the american alligator photo © 2001 by kent vliet

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