SOFIA - Poster - Thermoregulation of the American Alligator in the Everglades - Results, Conclusions and Acknowledgements (printable version)

Thermoregulation of the American Alligator in the Everglades

Abstract | Introduction | Methods
Results | Conclusions | Acknowledgements

RESULTS

Graph showing seasonal, weekly, daily, and within-day alligator body temp

Seasonal, weekly, daily, and within-day components of body temperature of a typical alligator from WCA 3A North. [larger image]

A comparison of seasonally smoothed body temperatures for 10 alligators from WCA 3A North. Body temperatures were recorded simultaneously at 72 minute intervals. [larger image]

The typical pattern of body temperature of an alligator from WCA 3A North for 1 year (1997-1998). Due to a large amount of data (20 intervals/day), the above smoothing is necessary for analysis. [larger image]

CONCLUSIONS

Spring is metabolically the most important season for alligator populations in the Everglades due to breeding cycles and feeding on concentrated food supplies during the dry season.

Due to consistently high temperatures and decreased food supplies, summer is metabolically expensive.

In fall alligator body temperatures decline with decreasing ambient temperature.

Winter reduces body temperature to levels that inhibit activity, but do not allow efficient hibernation.

Canals provided a thermal refuge for alligators.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research was supported in significant part by DOI's Critical Ecosystem Studies Initiative, a special funding initiative for Everglades restoration administered by the National Park Service; and in part by USGS's Florida Caribbean Science Center.

Among numerous individuals, the following were instrumental to this project: M. Anderson, S. Bass, L. Brandt, M. Cherkiss, M. Chopp, B. Fesler, T. Foster, P. George, D. Gross, T. Gross, L. Hord, D. Hughes, M. Jennings, F. Mazzotti, B. McNab, C. Morea, S. Shrestha, S. Snow, C. Tucker, C. Weiser, C.Westall, and A. Woodward.

Related information:

SOFIA Project: American Alligator Distribution, Thermoregulation, and Biotic Potential Relative to Hydroperiod in the Everglades (a submodel within the ATLSS Project)

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Last updated: 23 December, 2004 @ 10:43 AM (KP)