A keystone species is defined as a species that impacts its ecosystem proportionally more than the amount or presence of that species. Specifically, alligators are identified as a keystone species within the Everglades National Park of Florida. The Everglades National Park itself is over 1.5 million acres big and it is mostly composed of flooded grasslands and wetlands.
Photo of the Everglades showing its wetlands from the public domain
Alligators themselves are very powerful reptiles that can grow up to 12ft (3.7 meters) and 1000 pounds (454 kg). Additionally, they are primarily carnivorous and what makes them a keystone species is their impact on the ecosystem of the Everglades. For instance, alligators dig small “gator holes” that can act has habitats for other species, especially fish during dryer periods of time. Furthermore, alligators control many different species’ populations like fish and small mammals. This prevents overpopulation of these types of species and also prevents the depletion of key resources. Finally, alligators distribute nutrients through the ecosystem whether it be from their movement or from their droppings. It is important to recognize their importance to their ecosystems, such as the Everglades, and respect the space that they reside in.
Photo of an alligator hunting and swimming through the Everglades National Park from the Public Domain
Leave a Reply