American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Big Cypress National Preserve
Southern Florida
USA
Alligator photographed in a national preserve 45 minutes from my home. I have no idea of its length. The many reflections and color in the water were created by plants growing by the water. It appears I have a visiting dragonfly on its back.
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile endemic to the Southeastern United States. It is one of two living species in the genus Alligator within the family Alligatoridae.
Adult male American alligators measure 11.2 to 15.1 ft in length, and can weigh up to (999 lb). Females are smaller, measuring (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length.
The American alligator inhabits freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps from Texas to southeastern and coastal North Carolina.
American alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates.
They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms.
Throughout the year, in particular during the breeding season, American alligators bellow to declare territory and locate suitable mates. Male American alligators use infrasound to attract females.
The conservation status of the American alligator is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Subsequent conservation efforts have allowed their numbers to increase and the species was removed from endangered status in 1987. The species is the official state reptile of three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Big Cypress National Preserve
Southern Florida
USA
Alligator photographed in a national preserve 45 minutes from my home. I have no idea of its length. The many reflections and color in the water were created by plants growing by the water. It appears I have a visiting dragonfly on its back.
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator, is a large crocodilian reptile endemic to the Southeastern United States. It is one of two living species in the genus Alligator within the family Alligatoridae.
Adult male American alligators measure 11.2 to 15.1 ft in length, and can weigh up to (999 lb). Females are smaller, measuring (8.5 to 9.8 ft) in length.
The American alligator inhabits freshwater wetlands, such as marshes and cypress swamps from Texas to southeastern and coastal North Carolina.
American alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates.
They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms.
Throughout the year, in particular during the breeding season, American alligators bellow to declare territory and locate suitable mates. Male American alligators use infrasound to attract females.
The conservation status of the American alligator is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Subsequent conservation efforts have allowed their numbers to increase and the species was removed from endangered status in 1987. The species is the official state reptile of three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.