This paper will focus on the American crocodile. The discussion will show that the American crocodile needs to be protected. Moreover, the paper will point out some of the reasons why the American crocodile needs protecting.
The American crocodile is a unique species which differs from its foreign relatives, the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), the Australian crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni), the South American Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), and the Indo-Pacific crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Unfortunately, crocodiles outside of the United States are responsible for nearly 3,000 human mutilations yearly (Alderton 22). Theses deaths, coupled with the prominent position that crocodiles maintain in the folklore of many cultures and their predatory nature, have led people to believe that the American alligator is extremely dangerous. Many untruths were spread about the American alligator and crocodile by untrained field observers in the early 1880s who confused the species with the more aggressive Nile crocodile (Glasgow 23).
However, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is actually a much tamer reptile than either the Nile or Indo-Pacific crocodile. For example, between 1941 and 1978, fewer than 10 unprovoked alligator attacks occurred in Florida, and no fatalities were recorded. In each of the Florida attacks, the alligators mistook humans for their normal prey and lost interest once their intended victims fought back (Alderton 28-29). Thus, the American alligator is relatively placid, yet suffers from the bad reputation of other species of crocodiles. This reptile resident of the southeastern swamps in the United States has been hunted unmercifully for its skin, especially the soft hide from the underside. For this reason, the 20-foot giants of yesteryear are no longer found within the United States, and even 10 foot animals are rare. Although state and federal laws have been enacted to prote...