PLANT-AND-ANIMAL COMMUNITIES (continued)

Alligator Hole in the Glades

Out in the sunny glades the broad leaves of the alligator flag mark the location of an alligator hole. This is the most incredible ecosystem of all the worlds within the world of the park; for in a sense the alligator is the keeper of the everglades.

With feet and snout these reptiles clear out the vegetation and muck from the larger holes in the limestone. In the dry season, when the floor of the glades checks in the sun, these holes are oases. Then large numbers of fish, turtles, snails, and other fresh-water animals take refuge in the holes, moving right in with the alligators. Enough of these water-dependent creatures thus survive the drought to repopulate the glades when the rains return. Birds and mammals join the migration of the everglades animal kingdom to the alligator holes, feed upon the concentrated life in them—and in turn occasionally become food for their alligator hosts.

ALLIGATOR HOLE IN THE GLADES. 1) Spike rush; 2) Pink gerardia; 3) Spider lily; 4) Cattail; 5) Pickerel weed; 6) Arrowhead; 7) Water lily; 8) Spatterdock; 9) Bladderwort; 10) Alligator flag; 11) Morningglory. (click on image for an enlargement in a new window)

Lily pads float on the surface. Around the edges arrowleaf, cattails, and other emergent plants grow. Behind them on higher muckland, much of which is created by the alligators as they pile up plant debris, stand ferns, wildflowers, and swamp trees. Algae thrive in the water. The rooted water plants might become so dense as to hinder the movement and growth of the fish, were it not for the weeding activities of the alligators. With the old reptiles keeping the pool open, the fish thrive, and alligator and guests live well.

ALLIGATOR FLAG.

Plants piled beside the hole by the alligator decay and form soil with mud and marl. Ferns, wild flowers, and tree seedlings take root, and eventually the alligator hole may be the center of a tree island.

So important is the alligator to the ecology of the park that it is now protected by law. But unfortunately for this reptile, many persons believe that its hide looks better on human feet, and that it adds more distinction to a lady's purse than to the alligator. The alligator may not agree, but it hasn't learned to evade the poacher who, with lights, hooks, guns, and other implements, hunts it by night, even in the park. The traffic in hides, though illegal, is highly profitable; and killing of these animals will persist as long as fashion-conscious citizens purchase articles made from their skins.

The alligator has now achieved a more favorable status, for it has been placed on the list of endangered species by the Department of the Interior. United States, New York State, and Florida law today prohibits the killing of alligators, traffic in hides, or the sale of merchandise made of alligator, crocodile, or cayman skins. When other States—and other nations—follow suit, 'gator poaching will no longer be profitable.