Spatial Distribution and Behavioral Patterns in American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at Huntington Beach State Park, SC

Presentation Type

Event

Full Name of Faculty Mentor

Eric Rosch

Major

Marine Science

Minor

Psychology

Presentation Abstract

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) have essential roles in the healthy functioning of an ecosystem. Through predation, they help maintain a sustainable trophic balance. Recognizing the biotic and abiotic factors that govern where and when these animals reside in an environment is therefore crucial to understanding the dynamics of an ecosystem. The alligators residing at Huntington Beach State Park have a relatively stable ecosystem that allows them to interact with multiple species. The presence and behavior of other animals can have profound effects on the distribution of these large, apex predators. Here, alligators were observed through multiple seasons using a continuous sampling technique to discern any patterns in their distribution and behavior and what factors drive these patterns. Season, ambient temperature, breeding status, and presence of birds were all found to be correlated with the spatial distribution and behavior of the alligators at Huntington Beach State Park.

Course

MSCI 499H

Location

Brittain Hall, Room 101

Start Date

17-4-2019 1:50 PM

End Date

17-4-2019 2:10 PM

Disciplines

Oceanography

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
Apr 17th, 1:50 PM Apr 17th, 2:10 PM

Spatial Distribution and Behavioral Patterns in American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) at Huntington Beach State Park, SC

Brittain Hall, Room 101

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) have essential roles in the healthy functioning of an ecosystem. Through predation, they help maintain a sustainable trophic balance. Recognizing the biotic and abiotic factors that govern where and when these animals reside in an environment is therefore crucial to understanding the dynamics of an ecosystem. The alligators residing at Huntington Beach State Park have a relatively stable ecosystem that allows them to interact with multiple species. The presence and behavior of other animals can have profound effects on the distribution of these large, apex predators. Here, alligators were observed through multiple seasons using a continuous sampling technique to discern any patterns in their distribution and behavior and what factors drive these patterns. Season, ambient temperature, breeding status, and presence of birds were all found to be correlated with the spatial distribution and behavior of the alligators at Huntington Beach State Park.