A Natural History of Alligator mississippiensis

On our last field trip of class, we visited Donnelly State Park. We saw all sorts of interesting specimens, from small amphibians such as sirens and frogs, to the largest of reptiles, like the American alligator. The alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, were seen out basking in the warmth, in one particular area, we found a female alligator and her young. Female alligators are one of the few species of reptiles that provide parental care to their young. Females build nests out of mud and debris on land, where they lay their eggs. These nests are held at certain temperatures because the eggs themselves are temperature-dependent sex-determinant.  After several months, and the babies begin to hatch, they let out a chirping noise to signal the mother to dig them out. The mother continues to nurture her young for 2 years, providing them protection from predators, to include other alligators.

This happy and healthy specimen was one of the many large alligators in a congregation of around 15! Alligator can measure up towards 14 feet, and weigh in between 400-1000lbs. There is sexual dimorphism in the species, with females ranging on the smaller side of the scale. They can live around the ages of 30-50 years old, but older specimens have been documented to live up into their 70s and 80s. They live in swamps, ponds, and other freshwater habits ranging all across the southeastern United States.
Growing up in South Florida, it was very common to see these interesting reptiles hanging out on river banks, wandering across the roads, and unfortunately, even in neighbors' swimming pools. Unfortunately the size and power of these species instills fear in humans. They also have map sense, which is a form of magnetic orientation, which allows them to locate home. This is problematic when a territorial alligator claims a neighborhood pond or pool as its home. Even when attempts are made to relocate the large predator, they will eventually find their way home.
Although they are no longer endangered, there was a time when the American Alligator was almost extinct. From pollutants like pesticides (DET in Florida Everglades), to over exploitation for their skin, alligators were highly endangered and were once at the verge of extinction. Because they are apex predators, they were particularly affected by DET pesticides. After consuming large amounts of birds, turtles, and fish, the once small amounts of pesticides in each prey item, remained and accumulated within the alligator's body. The large die off of these beautiful creatures became a red flag for humans that something terrible was affecting the wild life in the Everglades, and could be making its way into the water table and, ultimately, into humans. Once at the brink of death, alligators have made a great comeback, however, are still vulnerable. As human population expands and the habitats decrease, they will find themselves being killed off as pests from people's backyards. Another danger is global warming. Because the species is known for temperature-dependent sex determination, the warmer climate could lead to a large discrepancy in sex ratios. As apex predators, they are particularly important to the environment and need our protection.
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodylia
Family: Alligatoridae
Genus: Alligator
Species: mississippiensis