Keystone Species in Swamps
The American Alligator is an important keystone species in southeast swamps and wetlands. The reason being is that during the winter season alligators dig burrows in the ground so they can keep them and their eggs warm. Unlike humans, the alligator won’t stay here and build a house. Instead, they leave and move on to another area while this hole becomes filled with water and is used by other species to breed and find resources. This is a very important contribution to the environment because animals such as raccoons use this hole to start families and survive. In addition to this other cold-blooded animals can use these burrows to stay warm the next season if they are too small to create their own. The alligator is truly a huge part of the swamp environment.