The American alligator (alligator mississippiensis) is one of two living alligator species and is native only to the, southeastern United States. The other larger living alligator species is the Chinese alligator. Alligators come to us from a prehistoric era which makes these comeback kids even more amazing! They survived their prehistoric relatives all the way into the 21st century in spite of being hunted for their skins and for meat by both natives to America as well as by those who settled here! Alligators are not an endangered species, but they are legally protected, and they are classified as threatened because they a lot look like the American crocodile, which is an endangered species. As a result of earlier unregulated and unrestricted killing of the American Alligator, the alligator population noticeably decreased. Hunting restrictions in the 1940's and 50's slowed decline, but illegal poaching during the late 1950's and 1960's resulted in further decrease in populations. Extensive poaching continued until 1970 when an amendment to the federal Lacey Act made the interstate shipment of illegally-taken alligators a federal violation. Combined with reduced demand for alligator skins (brought about by outcries for protection of the species during the [politically active late 1960's and 1970's) poaching was nearly eliminated. These photographs were taken near Fort Myers Florida in the everglades, where the American alligator continues its comeback. Once again, we had to do nothing except refrain from what we were doing to change the course of this keystone species.

Readers are introduced the habitat and lifestyle of the American Alligator and learn how the American Alligator is making a comeback from near extinction. Find out how people in the southeastern United States are learning to live with these amazing creatures.

The ultimate guide to understanding the biology and behavior of the amazing and underappreciated American alligator. Few scenes put the senses on edge more than a submerged alligator, only eyes and snout showing, when peering across a southern lake on a misty morning. An iconic American predator, these reptiles grow to thirteen feet or more and can live as long as humans. Alligators are complex creatures, capable of terrific attacks and yet tending to their young in the same gentle way a mother duck looks after her brood. Once extremely numerous, alligators came close to extinction in the twentieth century, but thanks to conservation efforts have since made a comeback, reclaiming their rightful place as the monarchs of the southern wetlands. In this fascinating account, richly illustrated with more than 150 photographs from award-winning wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch, expert zoologist Kent A. Vliet introduces readers to the biology, ecology, and natural history of the American alligator. Sharing nuanced depictions of their hidden lives that will forever change the way you think of these giant reptiles, the book • combines captivating storytelling with the most current scientific facts • chronicles the life cycle of the alligator • explains why the alligator's precise anatomy and physiology make it so successful • covers a wide range of topics, from courtship and reproduction to communication, basking, nest-building, and hunting • reveals the alligator's sophisticated social life in detail • evaluates the alligator's environmental role as a keystone species • examines the complicated relationship between alligators and people

Writer Jim Arnosky describes his trip into the Florida Everglades in search of the elusive American crocodile, an animal which has inhabited the earth since the days of the dinosaurs.

A magical new classic in the making from the creator of the beloved favourite, The Tiger Who Came to Tea.

Explains why silvertips became an endangered species, and describes the efforts of scientists to bring them back from the brink of extinction.