Alligaatori

Alligaatori is the Italian plural form for alligators, referring to the large crocodilian reptiles in the family Alligatoridae. There are two living species generally recognized: the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) and the Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). The term alligaatori thus commonly appears in Italian-language biology and wildlife contexts to describe these animals collectively.

Taxonomy and distribution

Alligators belong to the order Crocodilia and are distinguished from true crocodiles by features such as their broad, U-shaped snouts and the visibility of only upper teeth when the jaws are closed. The American alligator primarily inhabits freshwater wetlands, rivers, and swamps in the southeastern United States, while the Chinese alligator is native to river valleys in eastern China. The two species are the only living representatives of the genus Alligator, with a long fossil record extending back to the prehistoric era.

Habitat, behavior, and diet

Alligators are typically found in slow-moving or still bodies of water with abundant prey. They are ectothermic and regulate body temperature by basking in the sun. Their diet is opportunistic and includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small mammals. They build nests near water, and parental care is common, with females guarding nests and caring for hatchlings for a period after emergence.

Conservation

The American alligator has recovered from past declines due to habitat loss and hunting and is generally listed as Least Concern in many ranges, though local protections remain important. The Chinese alligator is considered endangered or critically endangered in many assessments, with habitat loss and limited geographic range as major threats. Conservation programs have focused on habitat protection and captive breeding to support wild populations.