The American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), was once on the brink of extinction, has made an extraordinary comeback. 

Artwork ©Juliet Whitsett |Social: @juliet_whitsett_art      |     Purchase prints: HERE

In 1967, the American Alligator was listed as an endangered species under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973, benefiting from coordinated state and federal conservation efforts. By 1987, the alligator had recovered and was removed from the USFWS endangered list, becoming one of the nation’s most successful conservation stories.

Native exclusively to the United States, American Alligators are large crocodilians that can exceed 12 feet in length and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. During colder months, they become largely inactive. In spring, females build sizable nests of vegetation that naturally warm their 20-60 eggs. About two months later, the 6 inch hatchlings call to their mother, who helps them emerge and protects them for one to three years.

5% of the profits of any sale supports Endangered & Threatened Species.

COLOR PALETTE SAMPLED FROM IMAGES OF THE AMERICAN ALLIGATOR:

RANGE:

RANGE: IUCN Red List (September, 2014) http://www.iucnredlist.org

BIODIVERSITY OF TEXAS SERIES: With approximately 90 state and federal endangered species and 140 threatened species in Texas, Whitsett’s work underscores the urgency of conservation while emphasizing that protection is still possible.

Through the process of developing species-derived color palettes sampled from crowd-sourced images, Whitsett creates original artworks that draw inspiration from these distinctive palettes, as well as the lives and forms of the rarest and most at-risk. Collaborating closely with scientists and leading experts, she continually seeks to deepen her understanding of these species, contributing to both environmental education and conservation.

Juliet Whitsett is an Austin-based artist and environmental advocate specializing in biodiversity, ecological storytelling, and public engagement. Through research-driven art, she makes scientific knowledge accessible, inspiring awareness and action for the natural world.

RECOMMENDED READING/ WATCHING:

Alligators, Native Texans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4PAjFVMVxM&t=1s

SOURCES:

IUCN Red List (September, 2014) http://www.iucnredlist.org

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/americanalligator/