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ANIMALS
The American Alligator
The American alligator, once struggling for survival against hunters and habitat destruction, has been so effectively protected by conservation laws that the population is now increasing. These alligators usually mate in shallow water in April, and courtship is slow and quiet. To adapt to the wetland the alligators have scales.
The boat-billed Heron
The classification of this species has been the subject of some dispute,and it is sometimes placed in a family on its own. Its only important distinction from other herons is the broad, scoop-like bill. Boat-billed herons generally feed at night on fish and shrimps. The bill seems to be extremely sensitive and opens at the merest touch, drawing in water and prey; it is also used with a scooping action. These birds perform bill-clattering and preening displays, accompanied by vocal signals,at mating time. To adapt to the wetland the herons have longs legs that raise it up for wading in shallow water. It then uses its long, needlelike bill to poke into the water for food.
Black- winged Stilt
This distinctive stilt has long pink legs, longer in proportion to its body size than those of any bird except the flamingo; in flight, its legs project far beyond the tail. Stilts walk quickly, taking long strides. Colonies of stilts nest together near water. To adapt to the wetland the stilts have a long slender bill which helps them pick insects and small aquatic animals off vegetation and off the surface of the water.
Dward Siren
The smallest of its family, the dwarf siren is a slender, eel-like creature which lives among dense, submerged vegetation. It has no hind limbs and only tiny forelimbs, with three toes on each foot. The external gills are retained throughout life. A nocturnal creature, the siren feeds on the tiny invertebrate animals it finds among the plant debris near the bottom of the water. If its habitat is in danger of drying up, as in a drought, the siren can burrow into the mud and remain there, dormant, for up to 2 months. Mucus produced by skin glands prevents the body drying out during such a period. This adaption allows them to live in both permanent and temporary bodies of water.
The American Beaver
The American Beaver is well adapted to its Wetland habitat. These large rodents have webbed feet, and a broad flat tail for swimming, and a thick, waterproof coat. The Beaver is able to close off its nose and ears when it is swimming underwater. Beavers build dams to create pools in which they can build their lodges.