A Critical Analysis of a Historic Size Record for the American Alligator

Elsey, Ruth M.; Rainwater, Thomas R.; Fredenberg, Mike

doi:10.1656/058.017.0403

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Snake total lengths range from 91 mm (in the scolecophidians Indotyphlops veddae and Myriopholis yemenica ) with a wide mode between 500 and 1000 mm (Figure 1). The literature on maximum length of the largest snakes is plagued with often dubious claims (Barker et al., 2012; Murphy, 2020; Penning et al., 2013; Platt & Rainwater, 2015), and I therefore took a very conservative approach here. I list the length of the longest snake, M. reticulatus , as 7900 mm.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

SquamBase—A database of squamate (Reptilia: Squamata) traits

Meiri

2024

Global Ecol Biogeogr

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MotivationI present a database that contains information on multiple key traits for all 11,744 recognised species of squamates worldwide. The database encompasses key traits and a reasonably comprehensive picture of available public knowledge. I present comprehensive description of the sources and rationale leading to the assignment of each particular trait state for each species. I hope the dataset can serve the scientific community, promote research and understanding of the group, comparisons with other taxa, and assessment of conservation needs. Furthermore, gaps in our knowledge of squamate traits become readily apparent and will hopefully lead to further study and even better knowledge.Main types of variables containedMorphological, ecological, life history, geographical and conservation‐related traits.Spatial locationGlobal.Time periodLate Holocene to recent.Major taxa and level of measurementSquamata, species.Software formatxlsx.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

SquamBase—A database of squamate (Reptilia: Squamata) traits

Meiri

2024

Global Ecol Biogeogr

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“…The present study was designed to explore the influence of movement on CSF pressure, not the CSF fluid dynamics of Alligator mississippiensis . Accordingly, our emphasis is not on the absolute value of the CSF pressure (though those values are all provided) since this would change over the enormous size range of A. mississippiensis [ 47 ] and would be greatly influenced by specifics of the alligator’s neuroanatomy [ 48 ]. Instead, we used as a relative scale the CSF pressure amplitude caused by each cardiac cycle ( Table 1 ); these cardiac-related pressure pulses have been found in the CSF of every vertebrate examined [ 15 , 49 ], and can be directly visualized in the CSF pressure traces presented herein.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Influence of Movement on the Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Young

Cramberg

2022

Biology

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This study was undertaken to document how the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure varied during movements and physiological activities. Using surgically implanted pressure catheters; the CSF pressure was recorded from sub-adult American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) under anesthesia and post-recovery. Pressures were recorded during physiological activities (the cardiac cycle; passive and active ventilation); manual manipulation of the anesthetized animals (foot sweeps; tail oscillations; and body bends); as well as voluntary movements post-recovery (changes in body tone; defensive strikes; and locomotion). The CSF pulsations associated with the cardiac cycle had the lowest mean amplitude (3.7 mm Hg); during active ventilation and defensive strikes; the alligators routinely generated CSF pressure spikes in excess of 100 mm Hg. The recorded CSF pressures appear to be caused by a variety of mechanisms including vascular pressure; fluid inertia; and possible physical displacement of the spinal cord. The results of the study suggest that any model of CSF dynamics or perfusion should incorporate the episodic high-pressure CSF pulsations associated with movement

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“…In coastal habitats where access to fresh water is limited (e.g., barrier or sea islands), nesting often occurs near brackish water or naturally occurring or constructed ("alligator holes") depressions where rainfall collects [2,7,9,20]. Nesting females deposit a single clutch of up to 75 eggs [21] in the nest mound, and the eggs remain covered inside the nest cavity for the duration of the incubation period [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fauna Associated with American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Nests in Coastal South Carolina, USA

Rainwater,

Singh,

Tuten

et al. 2024

Animals

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Crocodilians are considered to be “ecosystem engineers” because their modification of habitats provides opportunities for feeding, drinking, breeding, and other vital life activities to a wide variety of other animals. One such habitat modification is the construction of nest mounds during the breeding season by most crocodilian species, including American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis). While many reports exist describing wildlife associated with alligator nests, no studies have quantified faunal associates and their corresponding behaviors while visiting nests. To address this data gap, we used automated game cameras to monitor wildlife and their behaviors at alligator nests during the egg incubation period (June–September) in coastal South Carolina, USA (2016–2021). We documented a total of 81 species (79 vertebrates and 2 invertebrates) at 78 alligator nests representing six taxonomic groups, including 48 birds (59.2%), 9 mammals (11.1%), 19 reptiles (23.4%), 3 amphibians (3.7%), 1 malacostracan (1.2%), and 1 insect (1.2%). Collectively, faunal associates primarily used alligator nests for feeding/foraging (51.8%), traveling (29.3%), and loafing (19.9%) and to a much lesser extent basking, burrowing/shelter, breeding, and nesting. However, trends in alligator nest use varied among faunal associate groups (birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, etc.), subgroups (e.g., passerines, raptors, wading birds, and waterfowl), and species. Several novel behaviors by some nest associates were also noted during the study, including the first observations of Virginia oppossum (Didelphis virginiana) opening and predating nests, bobcat (Lynx rufus) consuming alligator hatchlings, and Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) feeding on the contents of a recently predated alligator egg. The results of this study indicate that a diverse assemblage of vertebrates (and some invertebrates) use alligator nest sites in coastal South Carolina for a variety of life activities during the egg incubation period, and the proportion of the behaviors exhibited varies among animal groups and species. This study provides a first step for investigations regarding the net impacts of alligator nest-faunal associate interactions and ultimately the greater ecological role of alligators and other crocodilians.

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A Critical Analysis of a Historic Size Record for the American Alligator

Cited by 4 publications

References 11 publications

SquamBase—A database of squamate (Reptilia: Squamata) traits

SquamBase—A database of squamate (Reptilia: Squamata) traits

The Influence of Movement on the Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)

Fauna Associated with American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) Nests in Coastal South Carolina, USA

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