20 Amazing Alligator Facts [And Misconceptions about Alligators] - Our Planet

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are ecosystem engineers, and are also considered a keystone species. An ecosystem engineer is an organism that creates, significantly modifies, maintains, or destroys a habitat. A keystone species is an organism on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, and if the keystone species were removed, the ecosystem would change drastically. With Tropical Depression Fred heading our way, we thought it would be a perfect time to introduce you

WildSidePlanet on Instagram: "The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), sometimes just called a "gator," is a large, armored reptile native to the southeastern United States. ​Here are some key facts: ​Habitat: They primarily inhabit freshwater environments like swamps, marshes, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They are found across the southeastern US, from Texas to North Carolina and throughout Florida. ​Size: Males are significantly larger than females. ​Average Male: Around 11.2 feet