Effect of drought on clutch size and hatchling production of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Texas
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Published source details
Eversole C.B., Henke S.E., Powell R.L. & Janik L.W. (2013) Effect of drought on clutch size and hatchling production of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Texas. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 8, 756-763.
Published source details Eversole C.B., Henke S.E., Powell R.L. & Janik L.W. (2013) Effect of drought on clutch size and hatchling production of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Texas. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 8, 756-763.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Crocodilians Action Link |
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Relocate nests/eggs for artificial incubation: Crocodilians
A replicated study in 2007–2012 in hatching facilities across six counties in Texas, USA (Eversole et al. 2013) found that artificially incubating American alligator Alligator mississippiensis eggs resulted in more than half of eggs hatching successfully. Average hatching success was 61% (average of 23 of 37 eggs/nest) and hatching success of viable eggs was 71% (average of 23 of 32 viable eggs/nest). In 2007–2012, a total of 33,454 eggs were collected from 902 wild alligator nests, and the viability of eggs was determined by examining egg colour, odour and presence of an opaque band. Eggs and nesting materials were transported in wire baskets to hatching facilities, where they were incubated at 31–32.8°C and 100% humidity, buried inside the nesting material. Eggs were removed from 50% of nests that were discovered during surveys, and surveys were carried out on foot, by boat and by helicopter.
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
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