Research paper 6 pages due on 12/8!!

Running head: ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT 1

The American Alligator

The Example

Miami Dade College

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT 2

Introduction

The American Alligator, known more formally as Alligator mississippiensis, is a

species of reptile that has become threatened over the years mainly due to habitat

destruction, environmental contamination, and undesirable water management. That

being said, I also believe that the excessive exploitation of them for use in the fashion

industry, as well as their deliciousness when cooked also greatly contributes to their

dwindling numbers. This species sees males occasionally reaching 13 to 15 feet in

length, and weighing upwards of 1,000 pounds, while the maximum length for females

is approximately 10 feet. For food, gators have been seen feasting on fish, turtles, small

mammals, birds, and reptiles (including other alligators). They inhabit wetland

ecosystems across the southern United States and are said to be FT(S/A), in other

words, it's Federally-designated threatened due to Similarity of Appearance.

In the Everglades, which is where you find these beasts in Florida, Alligators play

a huge role in the survival of many species. During the dry season, they excavate large

holes in the mud so that they aren't stranded without water. This in turn provides

enough water for fish to survive in, and it allots other animals such as birds, with

something to drink from.

The American alligator isn't only helpful to its animal friends (also considered

food) though, it's also helpful to Florida's economy. Every year thousands of tourists

flock to the Southern region of Florida for a shot at some close up pictures of this

magnificent animal. People pay big money to go on airboat tours to observe alligators in

their natural habitat. This significantly boosts Florida's economy, thus showing alligators

value to not only animals, but humans alike.

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT 3

Objectives

The objectives of this report are to create a Profile of a local endangered species

and, to make an assessment of it using UICN criteria. We also aim to raise awareness

on the status of the species and the threats it faces in Florida.

Material and Methods

This work was carried out through extensive reading and research of online

articles published on American alligators, as well as a bunch of trips to the everglades in

which dozens and dozens of alligators were spotted and observed. I find there to be an

abundance of alligators in the everglades with specimens being observed basking on

rocks, staying stationary and hidden amongst the lily pads, and laying up on the bank.

I also used the IUCN categories to assess the conservation status for the species

in Florida, which may be seen below:

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT 4

Results

Distribution: American alligators can be found in Florida, southern Texas,

Louisiana, parts of North and South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.

Abundance: Currently there is a growing population of over 1.5 million in Florida

alone, and a total of somewhere in the 3-5 million range. If the American alligator was to

go back to being endangered instead of just threatened its impact would be severe.

Less gators in the dry season means less "gator holes", which in turn means less

places for fish to seek refuge and less sources of water for other animals to drink from.

Another impact of having gators go endangered again would be that there would be

incest going on due to lack of gators from differing parents. The penalties of this are

more of a chance for diseases to spread and wipe out the entire remainder of the

population.

Biometry: This species sees males occasionally reaching 13 to 15 feet in length,

and weighing upwards of 1,000 pounds, while the maximum length for females is

approximately 10 feet.

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT 5

(Lengths in meters)

Morphology: Both males and females have an "armored" body with a muscular,

flat tail. The skin on their back is armored with embedded bony plates called scutes.

They have four short legs; the front legs have five toes while the back legs have only

four toes. Alligators have a long, rounded snout that has upward facing nostrils at the

end; this allows breathing to occur while the rest of the body is underwater. The young

have bright yellow stripes on the tail; adults have dark stripes on the tail.

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT 6

Comments: I feel like the American alligator is one of the most amazing animals

in South Florida, its crazy strength, position holder as Florida's state reptile, and simple

beauty all make it an animal to behold. What's there not to love about this cute, cold

blooded murder machine?!

Assessment: The IUCN classifies the American Alligator as a species of “least

concern” in terms of its endangerment and I must say that I agree fully. Stricter, more

recent regulations on the hunting and farming of alligators has significantly helped

increase their population. Their population has been remaining constant and even

increasing which is far from what was seen decades ago when the alligator was actually

an endangered species.

ENDANGERED SPECIES PROJECT 7

References

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (2017, March 21). Retrieved November 15,

2018, from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/46583/11061981

Dalrymple, G. H. (2017, October 17). American Alligator: Species Profile. Retrieved

November 25, 2018, from https://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/alligator.htm

American Alligator. (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2018, from

http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/imperiled/profiles/reptiles/american-alligator/

American alligator. (2018, November 29). Retrieved November 30, 2018, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator

Basic Facts About American Alligators. (2016, September 19). Retrieved November 15,

2018, from https://defenders.org/american-alligator/basic-facts

American alligator. (2018, June 26). Retrieved November 15, 2018, from

https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/american-alligator