The human lifespan has more than doubled over the years. People had an average life expectancy of 32 years in the 1900s. Now people can expect to celebrate their 70th birthday and more. This is due to a variety of factors, like childhood immunization programs. Better living conditions and medical advancements have also contributed.
The human lifespan is nothing compared to that of the red sea urchin or the Galapagos giant tortoise. The former can live for over two centuries while the latter can live for 100 years. But we do share similar longevity with the African elephant and the macaw.
An American alligator’s lifespan is also around 70 years. Some stages of their development are faster than humans though. This post will reveal some interesting facts about alligators.
Gators Live Longer in Captivity
A wild alligator lives anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Some gators have lived more than 80 years. Gators in captivity live longer though. They can live for 70 years or more. The oldest known alligator today is almost 90 years old.
Muja has been living in the Belgrade Zoo since 1937. He survived World War II. He also emerged unscathed from the NATO bombings of 1999. This trouper even survived a medical crisis back in 2012.
Alligators in zoos and gator farms live longer because they’re in a safer habitat. They don’t have to worry about predators. They also receive a steady supply of food.
Few Gators Reach Adulthood
It’s hard to imagine another animal taking on an alligator and living to tell the tale. But adult alligators do have a nemesis or two. Humans remain the biggest threat to the alligator. Some would argue that humans are the biggest threat to every creature on this planet.
The alligator does have to be wary of big cats. Panthers and leopards sometimes hunt for gators. Large snakes like the python can also take on the alligator.
An adult alligator won’t go down without a fight. That’s one of the truest facts about alligators. Hatchlings and juvenile gators are a different matter though. Experts say very few hatchlings reach adulthood. Natural conditions and predators kill off around 12% to 48% of alligator eggs per year.
Juvenile gators don’t have it any easier too. A female alligator will take care of her offspring for up to two years. Young alligators will still fall prey to herons, snakes, and large fishes though. Four out of five juveniles won’t reach maturity in some states.
Maturity Comes with Size, Not Age
Here are some more fun facts about alligators. Their sexual maturity is often determined by size and not by age. Almost all gators are mature when they reach 7 feet. Some female alligators hit maturity at 6 feet. The caveat is that it takes about a decade for alligators to reach those sizes. Female gators need 10 to 15 years to grow 6 feet. Males grow a little bit faster. They can reach 7 feet in 8 to 12 years.
Females can start laying eggs once they reach maturity. The mating season for alligators happens between May and June. They lay around 50 eggs from June to July. These eggs will hatch by the middle of August to September.
Habitat Loss Shortens Lifespan
Hunting is one reason behind the alligators’ diminished numbers. These outstanding creatures are often hunted for their skin, meat, and organs. But hunting then isn’t as easy as before. The Chinese alligator is now a protected species. But you can hunt the American gator after getting a permit.
It’s the loss of habitat that can shorten an alligator lifespan. Most of the Chinese alligators’ habitat has become rice fields. Now China’s remaining alligators are only seen in the Yangtze River basin. The same dilemma faces the American gator.
Land development and human consumption have chipped away at the alligator’s habitat. Experts say it’s why there are more cases of alligators attacking humans.
Experience an Exhilarating Ride
An airboat ride through Florida’s swamps is unforgettable. The good people at Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures work hard to make that happen. It’s why they voted us as having the best airboat rides in Florida. We will show you the state’s amazing wildlife. You can see wild gators and even get a photo with them. You’ll learn a lot during the exhilarating ride through Lake Panasoffkee. So why don’t you ring us at 352-643-0708 and book a tour? You can also send us a note here and we’ll get right back to you.
