Desiccation and cryptic nest flooding as probable causes of egg mortality in the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, in Everglades National Park, Florida
Mazzotti FJ, Kushlan JA, Dunbar-Cooper AC. 1988. Desiccation and cryptic nest flooding as probable causes of egg mortality in the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, in Everglades National Park, Florida. Florida Scientist. 51(2):65-72
Flooding and desiccation probably caused mortality of eggs of the American Crocodile in the Florida Bay area of Everglades National Park. Flooding was subterranean with no sign evident above ground. Apparent desiccation occurred in a year (1981) of abnormally low rainfall. The timing of the nesting seems to be rigidly scheduled, with the developmental period bracketed by possibly desiccating and flooding conditions. The success of this strategy is shown by the relatively low rate embryonic mortality in most years. Study Period: 1980-1981; Study Type: Qualitative; Habitat: Shoreline, creeks; Gear Type: Field observations by boat, helicopter, on foot; Biological Component: Marine reptile; Number of Stations: Nest sites-1980 (8), 1981 (9); Abiotic Parameters Measured: Water levels, rainfall, salinity; Dominant Taxon/Taxa Studied: Crocodylus acutus.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Mazzotti, Frank; Kushlan, James; Dunbar-Cooper, Ann
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), Animal Studies, Desiccation, Eggs, Floods, Mortality, Nesting Success, Nests & Nesting