Do we need Gators?

Though many people find alligators terrifying, the wondrous reptiles help maintain a critical balance in our ecosystem. They feed rapaciously on invasive nutrias, which cause horrific damage to wetlands by denuding their vegetation, and they also tunnel deep depressions that provide reservoirs during droughts.

Are alligators necessary?

Alligators play an important role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Sitting at the top of the food chain, alligators are apex predators and help keep other animal populations in balance. By digging holes and leaving trails throughout marshes, they create habitats for fish and marine invertebrates.

What would happen without alligators?

If alligators are removed from their native ecosystem, it would affect countless other species. As an American alligator's teeth wear down or fall out, new ones come in. An alligator can go through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime.

Why are alligators important to Florida?

As the top predator of the Everglades, says Rosenblatt, alligators have a large impact on the ecosystem through their interactions with and consumption of other animals. He notes that in addition to its importance to recreation and tourism, the Everglades are the primary drinking source for South Floridians.

Do crocodiles serve any purpose?

Environment protectors

Crocodiles have an important role in the environment. As adults they regulate the populations of other animals – stopping them from overcrowding and degrading ecosystems.

Why isn’t gator attacking you?!?!

What are gators good for?

Though many people find alligators terrifying, the wondrous reptiles help maintain a critical balance in our ecosystem. They feed rapaciously on invasive nutrias, which cause horrific damage to wetlands by denuding their vegetation, and they also tunnel deep depressions that provide reservoirs during droughts.

What would happen if all crocodiles went extinct?

Ecologists argue that the extinction of crocodiles could disrupt ecological processes and damage the ecosystem. Wetlands in the Philippines suffer from pollution, flow modification, habitat degradation, invasive species, and over-exploitation.

Why did alligators almost go extinct?

This large-scale hunting and poaching, along with loss of habitat, reduced the alligator population so dramatically that it was on the brink of extinction. In 1967, the alligator was listed as an endangered species, and was considered in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

Are alligators good for Florida?

There would be fewer birds and more insects.

With the alligators there to eat the raccoons or keep them at bay, there are fewer raccoons to eat the young birds. If they weren't there and the bird population dropped, there would be fewer animals eating the insects as well.

What is a predator to an alligator?

Raccoons are the primary predator, although hogs, otters, and bears have been reported to depredate nests. Juveniles: Small alligators are eaten by a variety of predators including raccoons, otters, wading birds, and fish; however, larger alligators may be their most significant predator.

Who brought alligators to Florida?

Alligators first appeared during the Oligocene epoch about 37 million years ago. The name "alligator" is probably an anglicized form of el lagarto, the Spanish term for "the lizard", which early Spanish explorers and settlers in Florida called the alligator.

Do alligators do anything good for the environment?

As alligators move from gator holes to nesting mounds, they help keep areas of open water free of invading vegetation. Without these ecosystem services, freshwater ponds and shrubs and trees would fill in coastal wetlands in the alligator's habitat, and dozens of species would disappear.

Why do people hunt alligators?

Alligators taken during the public hunt go from the swamp marshes to various markets — leather goods, preserved heads and feet to be sold at gift shops, and as different meat products. All the work that goes into the process, and the number of people involved, make the meat and leather expensive.

Is there anywhere in Florida without alligators?

Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.

Why are American alligators important?

American alligators are important members of their ecosystem, and are regarded as keystone species. Many animals are affected by their existence. Young alligators are prey for wading birds, turtles, snakes, mammals, and larger alligators. Alligators over 4 feet long are at the top of their food chain.

Do all bodies of water in Florida have alligators?

Is swimming safe in Florida lakes? All natural Florida lakes contain alligators and snakes. In addition, the majority of natural Florida lakes have dark or stained water limiting visibility. Alligators and snakes depend upon the ability to ambush prey to survive.

Are alligators nicer than crocodiles?

Behavior. Crocodiles are often regarded as much more aggressive than alligators. While you should avoid contact with both animals at all costs, alligators in the Everglades tend to be more docile than crocodiles, only attacking if hungry or provoked.

Is the alligator population increasing?

Coastal nesting has increased by an average of approximately 600 nests/year during the 31-year harvest period studied, indicating a total growth in alligator production.

Are alligators older than dinosaurs?

Their ancestors were closely related to dinosaurs and walked the earth at the same time. While dinosaurs went extinct, alligator ancestors went on to evolve into the alligators we see on Earth today. They haven't even changed much since way back in the Mesozoic era.

Why did crocodiles survive dinosaurs didn t?

Crocodiles survived the asteroid strike that wiped out the dinosaurs thanks to their 'versatile' and 'efficient' body shape, that allowed them to cope with the enormous environmental changes triggered by the impact, according to new research. Crocodiles can thrive in or out of water and live in complete darkness.

How did Crocs survive the Ice Age?

Crocodiles have cold-blooded metabolisms, which means they were able to live for long periods of time in severe darkness, cold, and with very little food.

Why did crocodiles survive but dinosaurs didn t?

Dead plants and animal material washes in from surrounding land, which is eaten by tiny creatures, which are then eaten by larger creatures, including crocodiles. So unlike dinosaurs living on the land, crocodiles in a river would not have starved as soon as the green plants died.

Is alligator meat good eating?

Yes, you read that correctly! High-quality protein and lean in fat, alligator meat is a keto-friendly, protein-packed meat low in saturated fats. The consumption of gator meat in the U.S. is quite common and is often consumed at a rate comparable to beef, with lower health risks.

What do they do with alligator meat?

Various methods of preparation and cooking exist, including tenderization, marination, deep frying, stewing, roasting, smoking and sauteeing. Alligator meat is used in dishes such as gumbo, and is used in traditional Louisiana Creole cuisine.