Factors Influencing Movements and Foraging Ecology of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in a Dynamic Subtropical Coastal Ecosystem

Top predators can have large effects on community and population dynamics but we still know relatively little about their roles in ecosystems and which biotic and abiotic factors potentially affect their behavioral patterns. Understanding the roles played by top predators is a pressing issue because many top predator populations around the world are declining rapidly yet we do not fully understand what the consequences of their potential extirpation could be for ecosystem structure and function. In addition, individual behavioral specialization is commonplace across many taxa, but studies of its prevalence, causes, and consequences in top predator populations are lacking. In this dissertation I investigated the movement, feeding patterns, and drivers and implications of individual specialization in an American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) population inhabiting a dynamic subtropical estuary. I found that alligator movement and feeding behaviors in this population were largely regulated by a combination of biotic and abiotic factors that varied seasonally. I also found that the population consisted of individuals that displayed an extremely wide range of movement and feeding behaviors, indicating that individual specialization is potentially an important determinant of the varied roles of alligators in ecosystems. Ultimately, I found that assuming top predator populations consist of individuals that all behave in similar ways in terms of their feeding, movements, and potential roles in ecosystems is likely incorrect. As climate change and ecosystem restoration and conservation activities continue to affect top predator populations worldwide, individuals will likely respond in different and possibly unexpected ways.

Alligator Hunting Season Report 2012

The 2012 Public Alligator Hunting Season marked the fifth general alligator hunting season after a closure of nearly 40 years. This year’s public hunt, utilizing a random computer drawing, was open to all applicants, including nonresidents, and was conducted on public and private lands (not enrolled in the Private Lands Program) from the Midlands to the coast. A total of 321 applications for the WMA Alligator Hunt were received, 89.1% from residents, the remainder from eleven other states. The 2012 season began at noon on September 13th and ended at noon on October 10th. This booklet also shows the season results of the hunt and recommendations for the next year's hunt.

Alligator Hunting Season Report 2013

The 2013 Public Alligator Hunting Season marked the sixth general alligator hunting season after a closure of nearly 40 years. This year’s public hunt, utilizing a random computer drawing, was open to all applicants, including nonresidents, and was conducted on public and private lands (not enrolled in the Private Lands Program) from the Midlands to the coast. A total of 222 applications for the WMA Alligator Hunt were received, 89.1% from residents, the remainder from eleven other states. The 2013 season began at noon on September 14th and ended at noon on October 12th. This booklet also shows the season results of the hunt and recommendations for the next year's hunt.