Stangerochampsa (SciiFii)

The dwarf alligator (Stangerochampsa nanus), also known as the pygmy alligator, is a species of globidontan alligatoroid that originally lived in what is now Horseshoe Canyon Formation, Alberta, from the Late Campanian in the Late Cretaceous as an extinct species, Stangerochampsa mccabei, and the genus itself was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern rainforests, wetlands, lakes, rivers, ponds, and riverbanks the southeastern United States to help boost biodiversity. Compared with its relatives, the dwarf alligator is relatively small, with a total body length of 148.9 to 167.7 centimetres (4.89 to 5.50 feet). The dwarf alligator is a timid and mainly nocturnal reptile that spends the day hidden in pools or burrows, although it occasionally may be active during the day. Foraging is mainly done in or near the water, although it is considered to be one of the most terrestrial species of modern-styled crocodilian and may expand the feeding pattern to land in extensive forays, especially after rains. Dwarf alligators are generalist predators and have been recorded feeding on a wide range of small animals such as fish, crabs, frogs, gastropods, insects, lizards, water birds, bats and shrews. Adult dwarf alligators are usually found singly or in pairs. The breeding of this species does not appear to be seasonal in nature. The female builds a mound nest out of vegetation and mud somewhere in a concealed location and lays a clutch of 10 to 25 eggs, hiding them under further vegetation. The incubation period is around 90 days and the sex of the hatchlings depends on the temperature of the nest during that time. When the eggs begin to hatch, the female opens the nest in response to the calls made by the young. Newly emerged juveniles have a coating of mucus and may delay entering the water for a few days until this has dried. Its continuing presence on their skin is believed to reduce algal growth. The female stays with the young for a few weeks, after which time the hatchlings disperse. The young grow at a rate around 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) per year and reach sexual maturity around 8 years old. The dwarf alligator is considered to be a keystone species whose presence in the ecosystem maintains a healthy balance of organisms. In its absence, fish, such as trout, might dominate the environment. The eggs and newly hatched young are most at risk and are preyed on by birds, snakes, rats, raccoons, and other mammals. Adults are protected by the bony osteoderms under the scales and their main predators are jaguars, North American anacondas (Eunectes americanus), and large North American boa constrictors (Boa americanus). The average lifespan of the dwarf alligator is usually between 40 and 50 years, although individuals living over 70 years have been recorded. The conservation status of the dwarf alligator is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the dwarf alligator's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii