A conservation success story
American alligators have broad, rounded snouts and are dark olive to black. Once hunted to near-extinction, the species recovered after legal protection and is now common.
Bellows and water dances
During the breeding season, males bellow, producing very low sounds that make water on their backs appear to dance. Part of the sound is infrasound, below the range of human hearing, and it can travel through water and air.
Ecosystem engineers
Alligators dig “gator holes” that retain water in dry periods, creating refuges for fish and other wildlife. Their nests also create habitats for other species.
Listen
What it sounds like: Deep bellows; water “dance” produced by infrasound.
To hear independent recordings, try Freesound. Check each recording’s licence before reusing it. See Media & Sources.
Further reading: How Animal Communication Works: Sounds, Signals and Meaning
Conservation status follows the IUCN Red List as we understand it at the time of writing. Assessments are revised regularly, so please check the IUCN Red List for the current listing.