Alligators are good friends to have during a drought
April 12th, 2007 by admin
It has been a very dry year in south Florida. We are dependent on rainfall for drinking water and the water we use in farming; the drought has taught us an important lesson about water conservation. Of course, droughts also affect animals. During a year when the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission has proposed expanding the hunting of alligators, the drought has reminded us of how important alligators are in the ecosystem.
During droughts, alligators dig large holes (”gator holes”) that fill with water and support many other species of wildlife. This week the Fort Myers News-Press quoted a scientist at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Collier County explaining the valuable role of gator holes, “That’s where all your fish and amphibians and invertebrates are going to hang out until the water comes up.” This, in turn, benefits wading birds and other animals that feed in the shallow pools.
It’s not only wild animals who benefit. During a previous drought in Florida, cattle ranchers reported that alligator holes provided a vital source of water for cows.
Hopefully the year’s drought will change some minds about whether it is wise to kill more alligators this year, if at all.