Reproductive Status and Movement of Adult Female Alligators

Abstract

Home range size, movement, and denning behavior of 15 adult female American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) of different reproductive status were compared using radio telemetry. Radio- collared adult female alligators had an annual home range of 35.8 ? 42.9 (SD) ha, and 30% of them nested in 1988. No difference was found between nesting and non-nesting adult females during the summer nesting season in home range size, daily movement, or percent of time spent at den sites. Likewise, no difference was found in any of the three variables during the fall brooding season when females with broods were compared to those without broods. Adult female alligators had larger home ranges, greater movement, and spent less time at or near their den sites during the spring breeding season than any other season of the year.