The American Alligator Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Today’s Topics Natural History & General Information Current Issues Alligators & You Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Origin of the Alligator name “el largato” – “the lizard” “lagato” “alligator” Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Alligator mississippiensis Order Crocodylia American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) also native to US Most common of two crocodilians native to US Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Alligator Range Figure by Mazzoti & Brandt

Status 1987: Removed from Endangered Species List, but are classified as threatened in the state of Florida Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet  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 Photo by FL Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

Alligators vs. Crocodiles Photos © 2001 by Kent Vliet ?

Alligators Broad, rounded snout Grayish-black coloration Lack salt-excreting glands Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Crocodiles Narrow, pointed snout Light tan or brown coloration Possess salt- excreting glands Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

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 Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Female Alligators Can reach over 10 ft. long Can weigh over 250 lbs. Reach sexual maturity at 6 ft. - Average 8-10 years Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Alligators & Salt Water Low tolerance for salt water Crocodiles tolerate salt water Alligators lack salt-excreting gland Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

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 Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Courtship Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Courtship & Mating Courtship begins in April Male courtship displays Male courtship bellow Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Nesting Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

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 Photo by FL Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

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 Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Egg Development 65 day incubation period Sex determined by temperature 100% Female nest: 87.8 o F and below, or 95 o F and above 100% Male nest: o F Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Baby ‘Gators Call to mother when hatching Freed by mother 9-10 inches in length Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Juveniles Often found in human-made freshwater habitats 9-10 years to reach 6 ft. long Eat a variety of smaller animals Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Cold-blooded Reptiles Depend on external sources of heat to keep bodies warm Most active at warmer temperatures Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

Alligator Dens Build dens to stay warm, escape drought and heat Built into the bank Vary in size Photo by FL Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

‘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 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 Florida Photo © 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 Photo by FL Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

Water Issues in North & Central Florida Can survive in polluted or eutrophic environments Disease and nutrition deficiencies Unknown causes for low hatchling success and alligator die-offs Photo 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 Photo by FL Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit

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 Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

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 Photo © 2001 by Kent Vliet

For More Information Contact your regional FFWCC office 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, Photo Credits: –Dr. Kent Vliet, Department of Zoology, University of Florida –Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Coop Unit