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How Alligators Came Back from Near Extinction in Texas
A conservation success story
American alligators are often associated with Florida and Louisiana, but they also live in Texas. It’s estimated that Texas has around 400,000 to 500,000 alligators in the wild.
However, did you know that the American alligator was once on the brink of extinction? Luckily, these reptiles have made a successful comeback with conservation efforts.
Almost Gone
In the early 20th century, alligators were nearly wiped out due to hunting and loss of habitat. People sought their hides for luxury goods like shoes and handbags. At the same time, swamps and wetlands were drained to create more land for agriculture and development. All of these factors contributed to the sudden decline in the alligator population.
The Turning Point
The 1960s brought a shift in attitude toward wildlife conservation. Lawmakers eventually stepped up by putting an end to unregulated hunting and taking steps to preserve the alligator’s natural habitat.
In 1967, the alligator was labeled as an endangered species, which gave it federal protection. This designation was a huge step towards their recovery. Texas also soon followed suit with its own set of protective laws…
