The Everglades, a vast wetland ecosystem in South Florida, is a unique environment where both American crocodiles and American alligators coexist. This makes it the only place in the world where these two large reptile species can be found living side-by-side. While American alligators are a common sight across much of the southeastern United States, the presence of American crocodiles in the Everglades is particularly noteworthy. Their shared habitat in this region offers a rare opportunity to observe these distinct crocodilians in their natural settings.
Distinguishing Crocodiles from Alligators
Telling the difference between an American crocodile and an American alligator involves observing several key physical characteristics, particularly their snouts, teeth, and coloration. Alligators possess a broad, U-shaped snout, which is wider and more rounded at the tip. In contrast, crocodiles have a narrower, V-shaped snout that appears more pointed.
Another distinguishing feature is their teeth visibility when mouths are closed. An alligator’s teeth are mostly hidden when its mouth is shut, with only some upper teeth visible. A crocodile’s fourth lower jaw tooth protrudes, visible even when its mouth is closed, creating a “toothy grin.”
American alligators typically have darker, often blackish or dark gray skin. American crocodiles tend to be lighter, exhibiting a grayish-green or tan coloration.
Alligators grow 8 to 11 feet long, while American crocodiles reach 10 to 20 feet. Their preferred water types also differ; alligators primarily inhabit freshwater, whereas crocodiles are more tolerant of brackish and saltwater habitats. This difference is due to crocodiles possessing specialized salt glands on their tongues that help excrete excess salt, a feature not as developed in alligators.
American Crocodile Habitat
American crocodiles are found in specific areas within the Everglades and across South Florida, primarily favoring coastal and brackish water environments. These reptiles thrive in coastal estuaries, mangrove swamps, and canals that connect to the sea, where freshwater mixes with saltwater. Their preference for these habitats is linked to their physiological adaptations for salinity.
Key locations include coastal Everglades National Park, mangrove habitats on North Key Largo, and areas near the Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station. While occasionally found in freshwater, their stronghold remains in salty or brackish zones.
Conservation and Presence
Historically, the American crocodile population in Florida faced severe decline, leading to its listing as an endangered species in 1975, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining. This decline was largely due to habitat loss from coastal development and historical hunting.
However, significant conservation efforts have led to a notable recovery of the species. By 2007, the American crocodile’s status in Florida was reclassified from endangered to threatened, with numbers estimated between 2,000 to 3,000 adult crocodiles. Recovery efforts focused on habitat protection, establishing protected areas like Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. Legal protections also prohibited hunting and further habitat encroachment.