The American Alligator is a species of crocodilian that is native to the South-Eastern United States in places such as Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.
These alligators are very common in many parts of their range and are often referred to as the common Alligator or simply just gator for short.
While these alligators are very common and made popular outside of their range due to popular movies, it surprises many people to learn that there are actually only two living species of Alligator in the world.
American Alligator Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the American Alligator belongs to is called Alligatoridae. This is a family of crocodilians that include alligators and caiman.
The majority of the species that have been classified in this family are actually extinct but there are still a decent number of living species.
Some of the other species in this family include the Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman, the Spectacled Caiman and the Broad Snouted Caiman.
Genus
The genus that the American Alligator belongs to is called Alligator and this is the genus containing all species of True Alligator.
There are only two living species of True Alligator with the other being the Chinese Alligator.
There are 6 other recognised species in this genus but they are all extinct.
The name Alligator comes from the Spanish words ‘el lagarto’, meaning ‘the lizard’, as this is what early Spanish settlers called the American Alligator.
Species
The scientific name for this species is Alligator mississippiensis and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
The species was first described in 1802 by a French Zoologist named François Marie Daudin.
American Alligator Description
The American Alligator can grow to between 8ft and 12ft in length with males being larger than females. This makes it the largest reptile in the United States.
While these are impressive lengths, it is worth noting that the tail makes up around half of the alligator’s overall length.
They will grow at a quick rate for the first 20 years or so until they approach their maximum size. At this point, their rate of growth slows down dramatically.
The American Alligator is a dark crocodilian that usually appears to have an olive black coloration.
Juveniles usually appear black in color with yellow crossbands. As the alligator ages the yellow coloration fades until it completely disappears.
They have short limbs and a powerful tail which helps to propel the alligator through the water.
The American Alligator has a rounded snout which helps to distinguish it from the American Crocodile which has a pointed snout.
Unlike crocodiles, when an alligator closes its mouth, you can’t see any teeth. This is because their upper jaw is larger than their lower jaw, hiding the teeth.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The American Alligator is native to the South-Eastern United States where it is extremely common in many parts of the region.
They can be found as far North as North Carolina with their range extending Southwards throughout South Carolina and every county in Florida.
They can be found as far West as Central Texas with their range extending through states such as Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Their range extends further inland into Arkansas while they can also be found in a small area of South-Eastern Oklahoma.
They share some of their geographical range with species such as the Banded Water Snake, the Brahminy Blind Snake, the Mud Snake and the Cottonmouth.
There have been sightings of the American Alligator outside of its native range due to pets getting released into the wild.
This species of crocodilian prefers to live in freshwater in areas such as swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes and ponds.
They have a low tolerance for salt water but can be found on occasion in slightly brackish water.
They are primarily aquatic and will spend the majority of their time in water. However, they are known to spend time on land also, basking in the sun close to their water source.
Juveniles can typically be found in swamps and marshes where there is plenty of cover and hiding places from predators while large males are more comfortable in open water.
Females will typically stay close to an area where they feel safe, usually around their ‘Gator Hole’ where here offspring will be more protected.
Females will venture out into the open water during the breeding season.
American Alligator Behaviour
The American Alligator is a social animal that can often be found in small groups with a hierarchical system.
They are a diurnal species meaning they are mostly active during the day and rest at night.
They typically start to become more active from spring and into the summer months when they start to warm themselves by basking in the early morning sun.
They are known to dig holes in the ground with their snout and limbs. They will use this hole to retreat to when conditions aren’t suitable in order to protect themselves. This hole is often referred to as a ‘Gator Hole’.
They will retreat to this Gator Hole during any adverse weather condition such as when the temperature is too hot or too cold or when there is a tropical storm or a drought.
