American Alligator

Title

American Alligator

Artist

Greg Joens

Medium

Drawing - Pencil On Paper

Description

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis),
sometimes referred to colloquially as a gator or common alligator,
is a large crocodilian reptile endemic to the southeastern United States.
It is one of two living species in the genus Alligator within the family Alligatoridae;
it is larger than the other extant alligator species, the Chinese alligator.
Adult male American alligators measure up to 3.4 to 4.6 m (11 to 15 ft) in length, and can weigh up to 453 kg (999 lb).

Females are smaller, measuring around 3 m (9.8 ft). The American alligator inhabits freshwater wetlands,
such as marshes and cypress swamps from Texas to North Carolina. It is distinguished from the sympatric American crocodile by its broader snout,
with overlapping jaws and darker coloration, and is less tolerant of
saltwater but more tolerant of cooler climates than the American crocodile, which is found only in tropical climates.

Alligators are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers
in wetland ecosystems through the creation of alligator holes, which provide both wet and dry
habitats for other organisms. Throughout the year, but particularly during the breeding season,
alligators bellow to declare territory and locate suitable mates.[2] Male alligators use infrasound
to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered
spot in or near the water. Young are born with yellow bands around their bodies and are protected
by their mother for up to one year.


The American alligator is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Historically, hunting had decimated their population, and the American alligator was listed as an endangered
species by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Subsequent conservation efforts have allowed their numbers to
increase and the species was removed from the list in 1987. Alligators are now harvested for their skins and meat.
The species is the official state reptile of three states: Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

Source: Wikipedia

Uploaded

October 14th, 2015

Statistics

Viewed 15,907 Times  -  Last Visitor from Miami, FL on 04/23/2024 at 1:34 PM

Colors

Embed

Sales Sheet