What Type of Ecosystem Do American Alligators Live In?

Habitat and Range

• American alligators are native to southeastern parts of the United States, including areas of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. They are found in freshwater habitats such as swamps, rivers, wetlands and lakes. Heavy hunting had caused the American alligator to become endangered, but conservation efforts have led to thriving populations once more.

Top Predator

• As the top predator in its ecosystem, the American alligator plays an important role in regulating the numbers of other animals and plants and maintaining biodiversity within the ecosystem. Although young alligators are prey for animals such as snakes, birds and raccoons, adult alligators have no predators in their natural habitat. As top predators, American alligators have a varied diet which includes other predators such as small mammals and carnivorous fish and turtles. By consuming and regulating the numbers of other predators in the ecosystem, top predators maintain levels of animals and plants further down the food chain.

Habitat Creation

• Another important role the American alligator plays in an ecosystem is the construction of habitats for other animals and plants. The holes that American alligators dig to maintain emergency water stores can also become a habitat for other animals. During a drought, these holes can provide other animals in the alligator's ecosystem with shelter. American alligators also excavate burrows which are used for hibernation and shelter during harsh winters. These burrows also provide habitats for other animals when alligators have finished using them. Another example of this animal's function as a habitat builder is its nest, which, once abandoned, is often occupied by other animals, such as the Florida red-bellied turtle.

Indicators of Ecosystem Health

• American alligators, which are such an important part of their ecosystem, can also serve as useful indicators of the ecosystem's general health. An abundance of large, healthy American alligators that produce a number of holes, trails and burrows usually indicates a thriving ecosystem with plenty of freshwater, animals and plants.