Larry McNease

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regulates an experimental alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) egg collection program which requires the return of a portion of juvenile alligators to ensure recruitment and maintain populations. An extensive tag and release program of farm-released juvenile alligators was evaluated by analysis of later harvest of recaptured sub-adult and adult alligators. Results suggest fairly high survival rates of farm-released alligators. The minimum known alive method estimated survival to be 85.3% to 4 years post-release.

The eastern brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) virtually disappeared from Louisiana by 1963. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (FGFWFC) reintroduced from Florida to southeastern Louisiana 1,276 fledgling pelicans at 3 release sites between 1968 and 1980. Florida transplants established 2 restored nesting populations, 1 at North Island in the Chandeleur Island chain and 1 at Queen Bess Island in Barataria Bay. The LDWF transplanted 149 fledglings from the Queen Bess colony to Last Island, Isles...

The eastern brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) ceased nesting in Louisiana in 1961 and the species completely disappeared by 1963. From 1968 to 1980, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission reintroduced 1,276 pelicans at 3 release sites in southeastern Louisiana. Two restored nesting populations were established, 1 at North Island in the Chandeleur Island chain and 1 at Queen Bess/Camp Island in Barataria Bay. The Queen Bess/Camp Island colony fledged 2,751 birds between 1971 and 1984. North Island production was...

Inventory methods, harvest regulations, tagging requirements, reporting requirements, and a computer program were established to regulate and monitor the harvest of surplus alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Louisiana and yet distribute the kill in proportion to existing populations over the area open for harvest. Ten seasons were authorized for the taking of alligators between 1972 and 1983. In 1972, only 1 parish was open for hunting; the hunt area was gradually expanded until in 1981 it was statewide. During the 10 alligator seasons, 5,337 licensed hunters harvested 100,712...

Ambient temperature was significantly correlated with alligator (Alligator mississipiensis) nesting activity. Nesting occurred earliest when March-April-May ambient temperatures were highest. Rainfall had no significant relationship with time'of nesting activity although water levels did affect the degree of nesting. Egg deposition occurred when diurnal period was at its maximum. The bulk of egg laying took place within a 2-week period each year.

The cloacal method of sexing imature alligators (Alligator mississipiensis) was tested on 72 individuals; 24 in the 6 month, 28 in the 18 month and 20 in the 30 month old class. This method ofsex determination was not feasible for the 6-12 month class, whereas the 18 month and over age groups could be sexed reliably.

Annual alligator (Alligator mississipiensis) nest counts were conducted in Louisiana coastal marshlands, 1970-1977. Alligator populations were projected from nest count transect data. Total estimated population ranged from a low of 135,000 to a high of 280,000. Highest population densities were located in the Chenier Plain Marsh Zone of southwest Louisiana. Alligator population density (1 alligaotr: 3.2 ha) was highest in the intermediate marsh type. The brackfish and fresh types were about equal with I alligator: 5.7 ha.

Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) eggs were collected at four intervals during incubation and subjected to a single submergence to test the effects of flooding on hatchability. Treatments consisted of a 2-hour, 6-hour, l2-hour, and 48-hour submergence. Hatching success was significantly related to duration of immersion. Throughout incubation, eggs were not affected by 2 hours of flooding, but 48 hours of submergence produced total mortality.

Three hundred and fourteen large alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) collected in the marshes of southwest Louisiana in conjunction with 1972 and 1973 autumn hunting seasons were examined for food contents. Foods were categorized by year and by marsh type. Vertebrates were the most important foods consumed, of which mammals comprised the largest percentage by weight. Arthropods and fish were important foods in the more saline areas. Thirteen percent of the adult females contained alligator eggs or egg shells in their stomach.

Wild captured adult alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) over a 4 1/2 year period exhibited a nesting rate of 50 percent. Clutch size averaged 39.5 eggs per nest. Fertility rates averaged 75.4 percent. Successful stocking rates ofone male to four females were achieved in a one-half acre enclosure. Pen construction methods and maintenance techniques were implemented to simulate natural marsh conditions, thereby encouraging breeding and contributing to the health of the alligators. Diseases posed no problem during the investigation although fighting and escapes were major concerns during...