The influence of regional hydrology on nesting behavior and nest fate of the American alligator

摘要: Hydrologic conditions are critical to the nesting behavior and reproductive success of crocodilians. In South Florida, USA, growing human settlement has led extensive surface water management modification historical flows in wetlands, which have affected regional American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Although both natural anthropogenic factors considered determine hydrologic conditions, aspects hydrological patterns that affect nest effort, flooding (partial complete), failure (no hatchling) unclear. We deconstructed annual using harmonic models estimated matrices including mean, amplitude, timing peak, periodicity depth discharge examined their effects on survey data from Shark Slough, Everglades National Park, 1985 2005. Nest effort increased years with higher mean lesser depth. A greater proportion nests were flooded failed when peak occurred earlier year. Also, rates depth, rate was higher. This study guides future decisions mitigate negative impacts reproduction alligators provides wildlife managers a tool for assessing modifying plans conserve crocodilians other wetland species. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.