The Southern Naturalist

Primeval Predator: The Alligator Gar’s 100-Million-Year Reign


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Dr. Bob and Dr. Aimee Thomas dive into the prehistoric world of the alligator gar, a true living fossil that has roamed North America's waters for over 100 million years. With its armor-like ganoid scales, air-breathing swim bladder, and ambush predator instincts, this ancient giant has remained virtually unchanged since the age of the dinosaurs. But despite its primeval legacy, the alligator gar is often misunderstood and even maligned. Join us as we uncover the fascinating evolution, ecological role, and conservation challenges of this Jurassic-era relic.


Do you have any more questions about nature? Message us on social media or email us at⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ and we will answer you!


Hosts: Dr. Robert Thomas and Dr. Aimée Thomas

Produced by Emma Reid  

Intern Shelby Perkins

Intro Music composition by Hunter Wainwright

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The Southern NaturalistBy The Southern Naturalist