Mississippi Alligator

Mississippi Alligator
(Alligator mississippiensis)

Distribution
This species of Alligator is common in a large variety of waterways, mainly around the Southeastern states of the USA. They are often seen to construct burrows in the wild to deal with adverse weather conditions.

Size
Males of this species vary between 4.5m (13ft) and 6m (18m). Although the larger specimens are not as common as they once were. Females tend to reach sizes of just under 3m (9ft).

Diet
This species eats a wide variety of prey in the wild, including fish, amphibians, rodents, birds, and even reptiles. In captivity a varied diet is therefore essential. They can be fed fish (freshwater is better), rodents (hamsters, rats, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, small rabbits, etc), and birds (Day old chicks, quail, chickens, pheasants, etc).

Requirements
Heat Source: - They require a basking area. Conical ceramics/reflector spot bulbs are best for this purpose. Underfloor heating and microclimates are good for helping maintain the background temperature in larger enclosures.
Ultra Violet Light Source: - the better sources of UV light for these large reptilians is the UV powerbulbs that are on the market at the moment, these can only be used in very large enclosures. This should be left on for 10 - 12 hours a day and replaced every six months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and nighttime effect as well as give your reptile sufficient levels of UV to allow vitamin D3 synthesis.
Thermostat: - An essential part of every enclosure and is required to control the heat inside the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Wire Mesh Guards: - These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent any thermal burns from occurring.
Thermometers: - One should be placed at either end of the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat, as this is often inaccurate.
Hides: - These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Whatever hide is chosen it must be easy to remove for health and safety reasons. Large hollow cork barks, purpose built stone hides with access are also good.
Housing – A large converted room is best, this should consist of a land area which is two times the length of the alligator as a minimum, with access to large water area. This must be securely locked at all times.

Temperature
The day time temperature should be maintained at between 25C and 32C (78F and 90F), never exceeding 40C (104F). At night the temperatures may be allowed to drop to between 21C and 23C (70F and 75F).

Humidity and water
The water should be maintained at around 26C (80F). This can be achieved by having a few strong water heaters hidden and well guarded in the water. This will also aid in maintaining the humidity level between moderate and high. The water should be deep enough for the alligator to move around in. A drain and filter pump with external access are essential in the pond area of the enclosure.

Longevity
These reptiles live for an average of 40 to 50 years, although specimens older than this are not uncommon.

NB – To maintain this species in the UK a Dangerous Wild Animals License is required. The Environmental Health Officer at your local council should be able to provide you with more information.

Substrate
One of the best substrates to use with Alligators is a mixture of river sand and gravel. As this aids in providing a dry basking area. Peat/gravel mix can also be used to good effect. Concrete should never be used as this can lead to pedal dermatitis. If possible provide enough substrate for the alligator to burrow in, ensure that this is not near the access point and it is in an area where it will not cause accidents.

The distribution map and photograph were taken from www.crocodilian.com

Recommended Reading/Useful contacts
Stuart Dodsworth – stuartandlynette@dodsworth2005.wanadoo.co.uk
The International Herpetological Society – www.international-herp-society.co.uk
The British Herpetological Society – www.thebhs.org
www.crocodilian.com – an invaluable source of crocodilian information.
Taxonomy Information - http://srs.embl-heidelberg.de:8000/s...-bin/wgetz?-e+[REPTILIA-Species:'Alligator_SP_mississippiensis']
Your local Environmental Health Officer at The Council