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The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a large reptile native to the southeastern USA, including states such as Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas. It is one of two living species in the family Alligatoridae, the other being the Chinese alligator.
American alligators inhabit freshwater environments such as ponds, marshes, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and swamps. They are well-adapted to their aquatic environment, with a body design that allows them to move swiftly in water and stay submerged for long periods. They can also tolerate a range of salinities and are sometimes found in brackish waters.
Historically, the American alligator was endangered due to hunting and habitat loss, primarily for their valuable skin used in leather goods. In the 20th century, strict regulations and protections were put in place, including the Endangered Species Act in the United States. These measures helped the species make a remarkable recovery, and it is now classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This conservation success story showcases effective wildlife management and sustainable use practices that have allowed the population to stabilize and grow. In some areas, they are now so numerous that controlled alligator hunting seasons have been established to manage their populations.
American alligators play a crucial role in their ecosystem. As apex predators, they help control the population of prey species like fish, snakes, and small mammals. Additionally, their nesting activities contribute to the ecological health of their habitats. The depressions they create while nesting can hold water during dry spells, providing critical hydration spots for other wildlife.
Alligators are known for their interesting nesting behavior. Females construct nests made of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud near water bodies. They lay eggs which they guard fervently throughout the incubation period. The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings: warmer temperatures tend to produce males, while cooler temperatures produce females.
Alligators are also known for their vocal communications, particularly during mating season, where they emit loud bellows and use water slapping as part of their courtship and territorial behaviors.
Despite their fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare. Human encounters can increase where people encroach on their natural habitats. Conservation efforts continue to focus on maintaining alligator populations while managing their interaction with people in areas where they coexist.
The American alligator is distributed widely across the southeastern United States. Its range extends from the southern tip of Texas, east to North Carolina, and south through Florida. This distribution encompasses the Gulf Coast and extends up the Atlantic coast to the Carolinas. Some of the core areas where they are most commonly found include:
The habitat suitability for alligators depends heavily on water temperatures and access to freshwater sources. They are primarily freshwater animals but can also be found in brackish water environments. The expansion and contraction of their range can be influenced by climate, particularly temperature, which affects their metabolism and reproductive success.
Learn more about the American Alligator on the following websites:
Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute - Provides information on the American alligator biology, behavior, and conservation efforts.
National Wildlife Federation (NWF) - Offers educational resources on American alligators, their behavior, and their role in the ecosystem.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) - Offers extensive resources on American alligator management, conservation programs, and safety tips for coexisting with alligators.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) - Provides detailed information on the American alligator species' conservation status, regulatory measures, and habitat.
Texas Parks and Wildlife have a useful page on what do to if you come across and American alligator.
University of Georgia Savannah River Ecology Laboratory - Herpetology Program on the American alligator.
Herpetology is the branch of zoology concerned with the study of amphibians (including frogs, toads, salamanders, and newts) and reptiles (including snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, alligators, and crocodiles). This field covers various aspects of these animals, such as their behavior, genetics, ecological roles, and conservation.
Behavior: Herpetologists study the behavior patterns of reptiles and amphibians, such as mating rituals, hunting techniques, and social interactions.
Conservation: Many species of reptiles and amphibians are threatened or endangered. Herpetologists work on conservation efforts to protect these species, which often involves habitat preservation, rehabilitation, and captive breeding programs.
Ecology: Understanding the ecological roles of amphibians and reptiles, such as their positions in food webs and their impact on ecosystem health, is another crucial aspect of herpetology.
Evolution and Systematics: The study of the evolutionary relationships between different groups and the classification of species based on genetic and morphological data.
Physiology: Herpetologists examine how reptiles and amphibians adapt to their environments physiologically. This can include studies on how they regulate their body temperature, manage water and salt balance, or how they survive in extreme conditions.
Reptiles and amphibians are often indicator species, meaning their presence, absence, or abundance in an environment can give scientists valuable insights into the health of that ecosystem. They also play critical roles as both predators and prey in ecological communities, helping to maintain balance in food webs.
To become a herpetologist, one typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or Ph.D., especially for roles in research and academia.
Several organizations support herpetological research and conservation efforts:
These organizations provide resources, host conferences, and publish journals and newsletters that contribute to the ongoing education and professional development of herpetologists.
Herpetology is a fascinating field that combines elements of wildlife conservation, research, and education to help protect some of the planet's most diverse and often misunderstood animals.