Fort Pierce - Monday May 29, 2023: American alligators are found across the Southern United States, drawing attention throughout the year. In Florida, the Everglades, freshwater lakes, marshes, swamps, rivers and canals teem with alligators. It is no wonder American alligators are the official state reptile of Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi.
American alligators are one of the largest beneficial predators that have stood the test of time balancing ecosystems. Yet, they’re largely misunderstood.
“Often sensationalized, these iconic reptiles are recognized by biologists and ecologists as indicators of ecosystem health that can signal environmental changes,” said Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez, a senior research biologist at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center (FLREC) and a member of The Croc Docs.
In recognition of their value to the ecosystem, May 29 has been National Alligator Day to raise awareness of their importance, as well as to educate the public on gators.
“As humans, we enjoy a love-and-fear relationship with American alligators because they symbolize strength and survival, among other desirable qualities,” said Sergio Balaguera-Reina, a research scientist at FLREC and member of The Croc Docs. “We celebrate and raise awareness of these modern-day archosaurs because of their critical roles and the need for continued conservation efforts.”
The 'Croc Docs' offer the following five key insights on the American alligator, and why we should appreciate them.
1. Alligators are ecosystem engineers.
They dig holes, making ponds in marshes that retain water as the surrounding marsh dries out. “This behavior provides a home for other aquatic species and food for predators such as large fish, wading birds, otters and alligators,” said Frank Mazzotti, professor of wildlife ecology at FLREC who leads The Croc Docs.
2. Alligators are not doing well in the Everglades.
Human interference and water management practices designed to support a growing human population have created habitat loss and altered wetland quality. "This has had a direct impact on alligator populations. Research tells us that American alligators in Florida are growing slower, surviving less and have reduced their reproductive output in areas of disturbance," said Balaguera-Reina.
3. Alligators are good indicators for Everglades’ restoration.
Because alligators are doing so poorly in the Everglades, we expect them to respond positively to ecosystem restoration informing us of restoration progress. Alligators are sensitive and resilient.
4. Alligators are part of an invasive species predatory cycle.
Alligators can prey on invasive species but are sometimes preyed upon by Burmese pythons. Their ability to control invasive species will depend upon populations sizes and colocation.
5. Gators are smart and curious.
Did you know that alligators are less aggressive than many other species of crocodylians? Their ability to remember things like sources of food is surprisingly well-developed. If they see movement in the water, they will approach the source simply because they are curious. Always respect their space.
View the following video clip, taken by the Croc Docs at UF/IFAS. It shows a male alligator expressing typical behavior during mating season. IMG_5274.MOV
Additional photos and video clips of alligators in the wild from The Croc Docs can be found in this link: FLREC - Croc Docs National Alligator Day 2023