References
[1] Murray, C. M. et al. 2025. American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) as wetland ecosystem carbon stock regulators. Scientific Reports 15:3423. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87369-x
American Alligator
American alligators are associated with higher carbon stocks in wetland ecosystems in their native range in the US.
Blue carbon, or the carbon sequestered by oceanic and coastal ecosystems, is a major repository of organic carbon compared to other ecosystems. Within blue carbon ecosystems, tidally influenced wetlands alone store a disproportionately large amount of carbon when compared to other blue carbon ecosystems [1]. A 2025 study finds a positive correlation between the presence of American alligators and higher carbon stocks in tidally influenced wetlands in their native range. It also noted that areas with denser alligator nesting had higher carbon stocks, than areas where nests were farther apart.[1]
The study established the clearest positive correlation in mangrove habitats, where recent, surface soil carbon (in the top 10 cm of soil) was higher in areas with alligators. [1]
The research notes that American alligators are apex predators in wetland ecosystems, adding that apex predators can influence soil carbon stocks through trophic cascades and that predation pressure can affect carbon sequestration in coastal wetland ecosystems. [1]
American Alligator
American alligators are associated with higher carbon stocks in wetland ecosystems in their native range in the US.
Blue carbon, or the carbon sequestered by oceanic and coastal ecosystems, is a major repository of organic carbon compared to other ecosystems. Within blue carbon ecosystems, tidally influenced wetlands alone store a disproportionately large amount of carbon when compared to other blue carbon ecosystems [1]. A 2025 study finds a positive correlation between the presence of American alligators and higher carbon stocks in tidally influenced wetlands in their native range. It also noted that areas with denser alligator nesting had higher carbon stocks, than areas where nests were farther apart.[1]
The study established the clearest positive correlation in mangrove habitats, where recent, surface soil carbon (in the top 10 cm of soil) was higher in areas with alligators. [1]
The research notes that American alligators are apex predators in wetland ecosystems, adding that apex predators can influence soil carbon stocks through trophic cascades and that predation pressure can affect carbon sequestration in coastal wetland ecosystems. [1]