NAVIGATION

Once widely hunted for its skin, the black American alligator became seriously endangered in the 1950’s, but under legal protection has staged a strong recovery. It is a large, up to 5 metres long, powerful reptile, which feeds in or near fresh water taking animals of all kinds including birds, snatched from low branches. During the breeding season the males roar to attract females and mating takes place underwater. Each female lays 25 to 60 eggs in an enormous nest made of vegetation and mud, digging it open when she hears the calls of the hatching young. She may stay with her brood protecting them for as long as 3 years.