Ecological studies on the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) on the Savannah River Plant
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the largest vertebrate of the Savannah River Plant (SRP), reaching a maximum length of 3.7 meters (12 feet) and weighing up to 175 kg (385 pounds). Currently, populations in coastal South Carolina are considered Threatened, whereas populations in inland areas (such as the SRP) are still Endangered. Because of their legal status and economic and ecological importance, it is important to determine the environmental impacts of SRP operations on the local alligator population. The major objectives under the Endangered Species Program of the Comprehensive Cooling Water Study (CCWS) were as follows: (1) document and compare the present status and distribution of alligators on the SRP to previous surveys, in order to determine long-term changes in population abundance; (2) establish baseline population and ecological parameters of the Steel Creek population so that the ecological effects of L-Reactor operations can be determined, and (3) conduct ecological research on the immediate impacts of thermal effluents on American alligators. Gladden et al., (1985) summarized data on previous population surveys, temporal changes in the Par Pond population, preliminary results of the Steel Creek surveys and Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (SREL) research on the effects of thermal effluents. This report summarizes the current status of the SRP population, presents data on the abundance, movement patterns and activity cycles of the Steel Creek population, and presents additional data on the effect of cooling water releases on alligator ecology and behavior.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Ecology Lab., Aiken, SC (United States). Stress and Wildlife Ecology Div.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-76SR00819
- OSTI ID:
- 5696923
- Report Number(s):
- SREL-26; ON: DE92008497
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Comprehensive cooling water study annual report. Volume X: endangered species, Savannah River Plant
Evaluation of the Steel Creek ecosystem in relation to the proposed restart of the L-Reactor: interim report
Related Subjects
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS
22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ALLIGATORS
ECOLOGY
POPULATIONS
AERIAL SURVEYING
SAVANNAH RIVER PLANT
THERMAL EFFLUENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
COOLING PONDS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENDANGERED SPECIES
HABITAT
L REACTOR
POPULATION DYNAMICS
PROGRESS REPORT
SIZE
SURVEYS
SWAMPS
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
DOCUMENT TYPES
HEAVY WATER MODERATED REACTORS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
PONDS
PRODUCTION REACTORS
REACTORS
REPTILES
SPECIAL PRODUCTION REACTORS
SURFACE WATERS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
US AEC
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
VERTEBRATES
WATER RESERVOIRS
WETLANDS
560200* - Thermal Effects
550100 - Behavioral Biology
220600 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Research
Test & Experimental Reactors
220503 - Nuclear Reactor Technology- Environmental Aspects- Chemical & Thermal Effluents
540240 - Environment
Terrestrial- Thermal Effluents Monitoring & Transport- (1990-)