People have a strange relationship with alligators. Millions love this reptile and enjoy seeing and learning about it. The American alligator is one of Florida’s top attractions. There are dozens of parks and reserves dedicated to it in the Sunshine State.
There’s also a large number of people who are wary or outright scared of alligators. They’re concerned about the potential danger these reptiles bring. After all, they are over 14 feet long and have powerful tails and sharp teeth. The alligator’s bite force is one of the strongest in the world.
Despite its popularity, there are still many misconceptions about alligators. One such misconception revolves around the types of alligators. Many people often confuse gators with crocodiles. Others believe they’re the same. This post dives into the world of alligators and reveals the truth about the species.
What are the 3 Types of Alligators?
Discussions about alligators revolve around the two recognized species of gators. One is the American alligator or Alligator mississippiensis. The other is the Chinese alligator or Alligator sinensis.
Scientists and educators agree that there’s no third alligator type. Information about the alleged third type of gator is a mix of myths, urban legends, and fake news.
The American alligator is the most famous gator species. These reptiles are thriving in the southeastern states of the US. You can find millions of these creatures in Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas. The state of Louisiana has the largest population of gators. Over two million are making a home there. Florida has more than 1.3 million alligators while Texas has around 500,000.
American alligators are distinct because of their size. Male gators can grow up to 15 feet long. Females are around 8 feet. These reptiles have broad snouts and dark, olive-green skin. They live in freshwater environs like swamps and marshes. They're also known as opportunistic carnivores. They feed on anything available, like fish, birds, and amphibians. They even feed on small mammals and young alligators.
The Chinese alligator is the smaller and less known species. They're also endangered. Experts say there are less than 150 Chinese alligators in the wild.
The American gator bounced back from near extinction, thanks to good conservation efforts. It’s hard to say if the Chinese alligator will have the same fortune. The country’s captive breeding programs are going well though. Scientists reported that the offspring of captive-bred gators are reproducing.
You can find Chinese alligators in a small region along China’s Yangtze River. These reptiles are small compared to American gators. Chinese alligators grow an average of 5 to 7 feet in length. They have lighter-colored skin with distinct bony plates on their bellies.
China’s alligators live in slow-moving rivers and ponds. Agricultural expansion saw their natural habitats shrinking in size. This is one of the reasons behind their small numbers. Chinese alligators feed on amphibians, small fish, and invertebrates.
Is There a Third Type of Alligator?
There are only two recognized types of alligators. The idea of a third alligator type is due to misconceptions about crocodiles.
The crocodile isn’t the mysterious third alligator type. The two reptiles do share similarities. Both belong to the phylum Chordata and the class Reptilia. Alligators and crocodiles belong to the Crocodylia order. That’s where the similarities end though. Alligators belong to the Alligatoridae family. Crocodiles are part of the Crocodylidae family.
There are also regional variations among American alligators. Reptiles from different states would have varying sizes, behavior, and habitat preferences. This could have also contributed to the idea of a third alligator type. The reality is all these gators fall under one species.
Folklore is also responsible for perpetuating the myth of a different gator type. There are many local stories about gators with distinct colors or shapes. These are often the result of genetic anomalies.
There are only two acknowledged types of alligators. These are the American and Chinese alligators. Both are enthralling creatures with unique adaptations and behaviors. There’s no truth to the idea that there’s a third type of alligator. This belief is misinformation and regional variations. Some might have confused alligators with other crocodilians.
