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Alligators are
large reptiles that live in tropical regions. They belong to the
crocodilians group along with crocodiles, caimans, and gharials. Among
the 22 species of crocodilians, crocodiles were the first to appear
around 200 million years ago.
These large predators are carnivorous (meat-eating) and eat fish,
different kinds of mammals, birds, and sometimes humans. Alligators
have short, wide snouts to catch large prey with sharp teeth. With
their nostrils and eyes placed on top of their heads, alligators can
be submerged and still see and breathe.
There are 7 species of alligators, including the caimans and its 6
species. American alligators live in the southeastern United States.
Most of them live in The Everglades, one of the biggest natural
ecosystems, in South Florida. Caimans are alligators that live in
Central and South America. Their sizes range from 5 feet long (1.5 m),
with the dwarf caiman from forest creeks, to 15 feet long (4.5 m),
with the black caiman of the Amazon River. The caimans of South
America have the shortest, broadest snouts and eat the most varied
diet, such as frogs, snakes, lizards, birds, and mammals.
Alligators use their powerful tail and rear limbs to propel themselves
through the water allowing them to swim fast and for a long time if
necessary.
Female crocodilians are very protective of their young. They hide
their eggs in a hole in the ground or mud for 2-3 months, and then
come back to crack the eggs and take the babies in a secure place.
Up until 1987, American alligators were an endangered species. The
introduction of the wild life laws in 1969 to protect alligators has
saved this species.
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