American Alligator: Ancient Predator in the Modern World
Conservation of the American alligator is one of the twentieth century’s environmental success stories. As late as the 1960s, this keystone species, which had often been hunted for its hides and meat, seemed destined to disappear, but preserving habitats, restricting hunting to permit seasons, and raising alligators commercially for the purse and shoe trade has since allowed the predator to thrive across the southeastern U.S. In fact, opportunistic alligators have now become a nuisance in urban areas from Texas to Florida. As biologist Ouchley (who raised pet alligators as a child) points out, humans and alligators often do not mix well. The powerful reptiles usually avoid people; most incidents in which people are injured or killed result from human negligence. Ouchley explains that alligators act according to their instincts, so humans must manage habitats for the safety of all. This compact profile of a unique American animal is very readable and will be a welcome addition to public and school-library collections. --Rick Roche