Baseline Data on Alligator Nesting in A.R.M. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge to Inform Future Monitoring

Abstract Monitoring key ecological attributes helps land managers understand the current state of the resource and decide if management action is necessary. Baseline data on spatial and temporal variability of attributes to be monitored is important for development of successful monitoring programs. In this study, I collected data from 2000 to 2004 on American alligator Alligator mississippiensis nesting in the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge to determine feasibility of conducting alligator nest surveys and collect baseline data on alligator nesting status and variability. I used nest data to provide examples of potential monitoring strategies for tracking trends over time or understanding the effects of different hydrologic conditions on alligator nesting. Conducting ground surveys with airboats in Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge proved to be an effective method of finding alligator nests. Number of nests per 1.6 km × 1.6 km (256-ha) plot ranged from 1 to 1...