Identification_Information:
  Citation:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Kenneth G. Rice

        Frank J. Mazzotti; H. Franklin Percival
      Publication_Date: Unpublished Material
      Title: American Alligator Ecology and Monitoring for CERP
      Online_Linkage: http://sofia.usgs.gov/projects/gator_eco/
  Description:
    Abstract:
      This project will accomplish several tasks with a combination of field
      data collection, GIS mapping, and computer simulation.  Our main
      objectives are designed to answer questions critical to restoration
      success and to provide the tools necessary for evaluation:

      1. Develop monitoring methods necessary for evaluation of restoration
      success in alligator populations. 2. Understand the effects of
      decompartmentalization and other CERP (Comprehensive Everglades
      Restoration Plan) projects on restoration of alligator populations. 3.
      Identify and quantify the extent of aquatic refugia maintained by
      alligators throughout the system and develop relationships necessary
      to predict restoration of refugia. 4. Validate and update ecological
      models for use in prediction of the effects of restoration.
    Purpose:
      Many important questions concerning the effects of Everglades
      restoration on alligator populations remain unanswered such as the
      impacts of decompartmentalization, the role of alligator holes as
      aquatic refugia, and the effects of hydrology on population growth and
      condition.  Further, the methods for monitoring and evaluating
      restoration success are not clear or have not been adapted for use
      during CERP.  Also, we need to continue to update and validate
      restoration tools such as population models for use in alternative
      selection, performance measure development, and prediction.  This
      project will directly address the questions outlined above, develop
      monitoring methods, and validate restoration tools for use in CERP. 
      All project tasks have been requested by management agencies in South
      Florida (NPS, USFWS), listed as critical CERP priority research needs
      (see USGS Ecological Modeling Workshop at
      http://sofia.usgs.gov/publications/infosheets/ecoworkshop/), and/or
      highlighted as science objectives for CESI
  Time_Period_of_Content:
    Time_Period_Information:
      Range_of_Dates/Times:
        Beginning_Date: 20021001
        Ending_Date: 20061231
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition
  Status:
    Progress: In Work
    Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: As needed
  Spatial_Domain:
    Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
      Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, Water Conservation Areas 2 & 3,
      Everglades NP, Gulf of Mexico estuaries
    Bounding_Coordinates:
      West_Bounding_Coordinate: -81.5
      East_Bounding_Coordinate: -80.25
      North_Bounding_Coordinate: 26.75
      South_Bounding_Coordinate: 25
  Keywords:
    Theme:
      Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: none
      Theme_Keyword: alligators
      Theme_Keyword: biology
      Theme_Keyword: ecology
      Theme_Keyword: monitoring
    Theme:
      Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: ISO 19115 Topic Category
      Theme_Keyword: biota
      Theme_Keyword: environment
      Theme_Keyword: inlandWaters
      Theme_Keyword: 002
      Theme_Keyword: 007
      Theme_Keyword: 012
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:
        Department of Commerce, 1995, Countries, Dependencies, Areas of
        Special Sovereignty, and Their Principal Administrative Divisions, 
        Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 10-4, Washington, DC,
        National Institute of Standards and Technology
      Place_Keyword: United States
      Place_Keyword: US
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:
        U.S. Department of Commerce, 1987, Codes for the identification of
        the States, the District of Columbia and the outlying areas of the
        United States, and associated areas (Federal Information Processing
        Standard 5-2): Washington, DC, NIST
      Place_Keyword: Florida
      Place_Keyword: FL
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus:
        Department of Commerce, 1990, Counties and Equivalent Entities of
        the United States, Its Possessions, and Associated Areas, FIPS 6-3,
        Washington, DC, National Institute of Standards and Technology
      Place_Keyword: Broward County
      Place_Keyword: Collier County
      Place_Keyword: Miami-Dade County
      Place_Keyword: Monroe County
      Place_Keyword: Palm Beach County
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: none
      Place_Keyword: Central Everglades
      Place_Keyword: Greater Lake Okeechobee
      Place_Keyword: SW Big Cypress
      Place_Keyword: WCA2
      Place_Keyword: Water Conservation Area 2
      Place_Keyword: WCA3
      Place_Keyword: Water Conservation Area 3
    Place:
      Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: USGS Geographic Names Information System
      Place_Keyword: Everglades National Park
      Place_Keyword: Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
  Taxonomy:
    Keywords/Taxon:
      Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: none
      Taxonomic_Keywords: animals
    Taxonomic_System:
      Classification_System/Authority:
        Classification_System_Citation:
          Citation_Information:
            Originator:
              U.S. Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service
              (ARS)

              U.S. Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources
              Conservation Service (NRCS) Department of the Interior - U.S.
              Geological Survey Department of Commerce - National Oceanic
              and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Environmental Protection
              Agency (EPA) Smithsonian Institution - National Museum of
              Natural History (NMNH)
            Publication_Date: 2000
            Title: Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
            Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Database
            Other_Citation_Details:
              Retrieved from the Integrated Taxonomic Information System
              on-line database, http://www.itis.gov.
            Online_Linkage: http://www.itis.gov
      Taxonomic_Procedures:
        A number of biological attributes (relative density, relative body
        condition, nesting effort, and nesting success) are measured and
        standardized methods for monitoring have been developed.
    Taxonomic_Classification:
      Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
      Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
      Applicable_Common_Name: animals
      Taxonomic_Classification:
        Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
        Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
        Applicable_Common_Name: chordates
        Taxonomic_Classification:
          Taxon_Rank_Name: Subphylum
          Taxon_Rank_Value: Vertebrata
          Applicable_Common_Name: vertebrates
          Taxonomic_Classification:
            Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
            Taxon_Rank_Value: Reptilia
            Applicable_Common_Name: reptiles
            Taxonomic_Classification:
              Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
              Taxon_Rank_Value: Crocodilia
              Applicable_Common_Name: alligators
              Applicable_Common_Name: crocodiles
              Applicable_Common_Name: caimans
              Taxonomic_Classification:
                Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
                Taxon_Rank_Value: Alligatoridae
                Applicable_Common_Name: alligators
                Taxonomic_Classification:
                  Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
                  Taxon_Rank_Value: Alligator
                  Applicable_Common_Name: alligators
                  Taxonomic_Classification:
                    Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
                    Taxon_Rank_Value: Alligator mississippiensis
                    Applicable_Common_Name: American alligator
                    Applicable_Common_Name: Florida alligator
  Access_Constraints: none
  Use_Constraints:
    These data are subject to change and are not citeable until reviewed and
    approved for official publication.
  Point_of_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Person_Primary:
        Contact_Person: Kenneth G. Rice
        Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing address
        Address:
          University of Florida Field Station

          3205 College Ave.
        City: Ft. Lauderdale
        State_or_Province: FL
        Postal_Code: 33314
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: 954 577-6305
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 954 577-6347
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ken_g_rice@usgs.gov
  Browse_Graphic:
    Browse_Graphic_File_Name: http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2004/3105/images/fig1.gif
    Browse_Graphic_File_Description: Alligator survey routes in the Everglades
    Browse_Graphic_File_Type: GIF
  Data_Set_Credit:
    Project personnel include Chris Bugbee, Justin Davis, Eliza Gilbert, Joe
    Kern, and Daniel Slone
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Woodward, A. R.

        Moore, C. T.
      Publication_Date: 1990
      Title: Statewide alligator surveys: Final report
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Tallahassee, FL
        Publisher:
          Bureau of Wildlife Research, Florida Game and Freshwater Fish
          Commission
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Campbell, Mark R.

        Mazzotti, Frank J.
      Publication_Date: 2001
      Title:
        Mapping Everglades Alligator Holes Using Color Infrared Aerial
        Photography
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: Florida Scientist
        Issue_Identification: v. 64, issue 2
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Orlando, FL
        Publisher: Florida Academy of Sciences
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Mazzotti, Frank J.

        Brandt, Laura A.
      Publication_Date: 1994
      Title:
        Ecology of the American alligator in a seasonally fluctuating
        environment
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Delray Beach, FL
        Publisher: St. Lucie Press
      Other_Citation_Details:
        in Everglades: the ecosystem and its restoration

        Steven M. Davie and John C. Ogden, editors
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Palmer, Mark R.

        Gross, Louis; Rice, Kenneth G.
      Publication_Date: 1998
      Title:
        ATLSS American Alligator Production Index Model Basic Model
        Description
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Knoxville, TN
        Publisher:
          The Institute for Environmental Modeling, University of Tennessee,
          Knoxville
      Online_Linkage: http://atlss.org/gator_mod.html
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Rice, K. G.

        Mazzotti, F. J.; Brandt, L. A.
      Publication_Date: 2003
      Title:
        Status of the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in
        Southern Florida and its Role in Measuring Restoration Success in
        the Everglades
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book chapter
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Melbourne, FL
        Publisher: Krieger Publishers
      Other_Citation_Details:
        in Status and Conservation of Florida Amphibians and Reptiles

        W. E. Meshaka and K. J. Babbitt, editors
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Slone, D. H.

        Rice, K. G.; Allen, J. C.
      Publication_Date: 2003
      Title:
        Model evaluates influence of Everglades restoration plan on
        alligator populations (Florida)
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: Ecological Restoration
        Issue_Identification: V. 21, n. 2
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Madison, WI
        Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press
  Cross_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
      Originator:
        Zweig, C. L.

        Mazzotti, F. J.; Brandt, L. A.; Rice, K. G.
      Publication_Date: 2003
      Title:
        Evaluation of field measurements of the American alligator for use
        in porphometric studies
      Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: report
      Series_Information:
        Series_Name: Herpetological Review
        Issue_Identification: V. 34, n. 1
      Publication_Information:
        Publication_Place: Laclede, MO
        Publisher: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Data_Quality_Information:
  Logical_Consistency_Report: not applicable
  Completeness_Report: not available
  Lineage:
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Relative distribution, abundance, and demographic structure of the
        American alligator in relation to habitat, water levels, and
        salinities

        The purpose of this project is to evaluate the relative
        distribution, abundance, and demographic structure of alligators in
        various habitats in relation to water levels and salinities.  The
        relative distribution and abundance of alligators is a key indicator
        component of the conceptual ecosystem models for Big Cypress, marl
        prairie/rocky glades, ridge and slough, and mangrove transition zone
        ecosystems and has been identified as a performance measure in the
        CERP monitoring and assessment plan.  Demographic data are needed
        for development of models to assess the potential impacts from
        operation of CERP projects.

        During FY03, we will concentrate our work on:

        1. Continued development of monitoring methods and correction
        factors for environmental conditions and sighting proportions. 2.
        Continued monitoring of South Floridas alligator populations
        through night-light surveys on routes developed during FY02.  Also,
        we will begin development of new survey routes based on the 2x2 mile
        cells developed for monitoring and evaluation of restoration success
        by RECOVER. 3. Continued alligator capture for comparison of
        condition through South Florida and through time.

        After examining past survey data in Everglades National Park and
        evaluating the ability to detect change in an alligator population
        we believe it most effective to concentrate surveys to peak wet
        season and peak dry season replicate spotlight surveys along with
        capture surveys of alligators to assess the relative distribution,
        abundance, and demographic structure of the American alligator.
        Established survey routes of estuarine rivers and freshwater canals
        and marshes extending from the mangrove fringe of Everglades
        National Park north to Arthur R. Marshall National Wildlife Refuge
        will continue to be performed at night by skiff, canoe, jon boat,
        airboat, and truck.  Alligator locations will continue to be
        recorded using GPS and field maps, and sizes of alligators will be
        estimated whenever possible.  Environmental data including habitat
        type, air and water temperature, salinity, wind and wave action, and
        spot water levels will be recorded.  Regional hydrologic data will
        be obtained from the SFWMD and the USGS.

        To determine demographic structure (size class and sex) structure
        semi-annual capture surveys will be preformed using the same
        vehicles and locations described above.  Alligators will be captured
        by hand, noose, dart, or tongs.  Total length, snout-vent length,
        tail girth, and weight will be measured, and sex determined.  In
        addition the relative condition of alligators will be determined by
        doing a condition factor analysis.
      Process_Date: 2003
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Frank J. Mazzotti
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address:
              University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education
              Center

              3205 College Ave.
            City: Fort Lauderdale
            State_or_Province: FL
            Postal_Code: 33314
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 954 577-6304
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 954 475-4125
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: fjma@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Mapping and Characterizing Aquatic Refugia in Everglades National
        Park and Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

        Dry season refugia for aquatic animals, are assumed to be a critical
        component of the Everglades landscape (Craighead 1968, Mazzotti and
        Brandt 1994). They are an important attribute in the conceptual
        models being used to develop the monitoring and assessment plan for
        the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.  The relationships
        among dry season refugia, aquatic fauna, wading birds, and
        alligators have been identified as a key uncertainty in the CERP
        monitoring and assessment plan.  In addition, the distribution and
        occupancy of alligator holes has been identified as a performance
        measure for the marl prairie/rocky glades conceptual model.  As
        important as aquatic refugia are imagined to be, their ecology has
        remained an almost completely unstudied phenomena.

        The project began in FY02 in Loxahatchee NWR.  We anticipate
        finishing the work in Loxahatchee in early FY03 and moving our work
        to Everglades National Park for completion during FY03.

        The following subtasks have been designed to achieve the project
        objectives.

        Mapping: Aquatic refugia will be located and mapped using a
        combination of aerial photography (supplied by Everglades National
        Park and/or Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge) and global
        position system (GPS) technology. Photographic imagery will be
        analyzed using a geographic information system (GIS). All GPS data
        will be managed using GIS.

        Ecological characterization: The geography of aquatic refugia will
        be described using the map and GIS database completed above.
        Location of refugia can be categorized by position in central slough
        or peripheral wetland and by proximity to landscape features such as
        canals. Structure and function of aquatic refugia will be determined
        from field studies of selected holes.

        Analysis of spatial patterns: With the emergence of GIS the ability
        to analyze spatial patterns of ecological resources has advanced
        significantly. State-of-the-art spatial statistics will be used to
        analyze the data obtained from the mapping activity.

        The methods described below have proven cost effective for mapping
        aquatic refugia at high resolution over a large area and has been
        used to map alligator holes in Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3
        (Campbell and Mazzotti 2001). It is important that these data be
        collected now, prior to major changes, so that the influences of
        CERP projects can be evaluated.

        Alligator holes will be mapped using color infra-red (CIR) aerial
        photography. CIR photography will be obtained from Everglades
        National Park or Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Selected
        photographs will be professionally scanned at one meter resolution
        and the digital images stored on CD-ROM. Photographic prints
        (contact prints) of the original film also will be made.

        Potential alligator holes will be located on the contact prints
        using a light table and magnifying lens. The alligator holes found
        on each image will be plotted on a 9x9 inch clear acetate overlay
        with a permanent marker. For each image the location of the two to
        four ground control points also will be plotted on the overlay.
        Ground control for the photos will be plotted on a clear overlay,
        and included with the original data set.

        All image overlays will be assembled and potential alligator holes
        mapped. Then a second, continuous transparent overlay will be placed
        over the mosaiced overlays, and all alligator holes and control
        points retraced onto a final single sheet. The large overly will be
        photographically reduced and scanned into the computer using a
        standard flatbed scanner.

        The digital image, with potential alligator holes and ground
        control, will be imported into an image processing software, and the
        coordinates (Universal Transverse Mercator ) for the ground control
        entered into the computer. The digital image will then be
        reprocessed by the software producing a complete spatially
        referenced image.

        The spatially referenced image will then be imported into GIS
        software after conversion to raster image format. A point layer for
        the GIS then will be digitized on screen and  a database for the
        individual points with their locations can be developed.

        Other layers of information for the GIS will be created in the same
        manner from the photographic contact prints. These include the study
        area boundary, canals and levees, major airboat trails, minor
        airboat and buggy trails, and islands. The GIS system also will
        include information obtained from other sources. These data layers
        include the Florida Landcover vegetation layer, developed form
        landsat satellite imagery by the Florida Cooperative Fish and
        Wildlife research Unit, University of Florida, and vegetation
        information from other sources.

        Field measurements to describe alligator holes will include
        structure (size, shape, substrate, and vegetation) and function
        (hydrology, wildlife use, and water quality).

        Alligator holes will be located in the field using a GPS receiver
        and printed field maps of the hole from the digital imagery. At each
        alligator hole field measurements will proceed in the following
        order:

        1. Photo of the alligator hole. 2. Dissolved oxygen, conductivity, 
        pH and temperature (air and water) of the pond will be measured. 3.
        Wildlife sightings, including tracks, scats, alligator trails,
        footprints, and tail drags will be recorded throughout the survey.
        4. Surrounding vegetation will be recorded onto the color infra-red
        field-maps. 5. Transects will be established across both the length
        and width the alligator hole. Transects will extend into the marsh
        matrix. Depth of  water will be recorded with a round fiberglass
        measuring pole at half meter intervals. Muck depth will be measured
        by sinking a thin fiberglass baton down to the limestone bedrock and
        noting the difference on the measuring pole. Vegetation or open
        water will be recorded at each point.

        Based on these field observation alligator holes will be separated
        into the following descriptive classes: origin, status, size, shape,
        depth, muck, and island. A description of each of these categories
        follows:

        1. origin: natural = created by alligators artificial = created by
        humans 2. status: active = inhabited by alligators inactive = no
        alligators present, or signs of alligators 3. size: area of the
        alligator pond small = < 20 square meters medium = 20 - 40 square
        meters large = > 40 square meters 4. shape: shape of the alligator
        pond circular = width ? half the length oval = width < half the
        length irregular = any non-elliptical shape 5. depth: shallow = < 15
        cm average water depth medium = 15 - 30 cm average water depth deep
        = >30 cm average water depth 6. muck: shallow = < 30 cm average muck
        depth medium = 30 - 60 cm average muck depth deep = >60 cm average
        muck depth 7. island: yes = an island is within 20 meters of the
        alligator pond no = an island is not within 20 meters of the
        alligator pond

        The spatial patterns of aquatic refugia will be analyzed for all
        located refugia and for refugia of different type and
        characteristics as identified in the ecological characterization
        above.  It will be determined if holes are distributed randomly,
        uniformly, or clumped.  In addition, the scale of the pattern will
        be identified.  A combination of indicies of spatial patterning such
        as: nearest neighbor distances, Pielous index of dispersion, Clark
        and Evens nearest neighbor, and Ripleys K will be used for this
        task.  Pielous index and the Clark and Evens index are used to
        determine if the holes are randomly distributed, uniformly
        distributed, or clumped.  Ripleys K is used to examine the scale of
        clumping.  Density maps that illustrate the concentration of holes
        will be produced for each area.  Distance from canals or other
        significant features will be calculated for each hole and these data
        along with available data on vegetation, hydrology, topology, etc.
        will be used to explore the relationships between hole location and
        type and physical and ecological landscape features.
      Process_Date: Not complete
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Frank J. Mazzotti
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address:
              University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education
              Center

              3205 College Ave.
            City: Fort Lauderdale
            State_or_Province: FL
            Postal_Code: 33314
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 954 577-6304
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 954 475-4125
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: fjma@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Population-Based Simulation Modelng of American Alligator
        Populations in Support of CERP

        An alligator population model is currently in the calibration phase
        for use in evaluating CERP restoration alternatives and developing
        performance measures.  The model will require periodic updates,
        further calibration, and validation as new data becomes available. 
        This data is being collected during monitoring of the alligator
        throughout South Florida.

        Work to be done during FY2003:

        The core model component is a 3-D matrix that records the density of
        each stage of alligator in each 500x500m spatial location (500m
        pixel size based on the mean adult female home range size).  This
        structure is manipulated in its entirety with 3-D matrix operations,
        and interacts with survival and condition 3-D matrices, each in turn
        calculated for each time step based on water level, crowding, etc. 
        Alligators either survive and grow to the next stage of development
        (SD),  survive but not grow (SND), or die.  The proportion of each
        stage that falls into the three categories depends on water levels
        and alligator condition throughout the year, and the density of
        adult alligators at each spatial location:

        Adult female alligators produce offspring at each spatial location,
        depending on water levels during the nesting period, habitat type,
        and the age and condition of the female over the previous season. 
        The nesting potential of each cell is predicted by the ATLSS
        American Alligator Production Index which incorporates local habitat
        data and hydrological dynamics to predict the probability of
        producing nests and offspring successfully in each cell, if a
        healthy female is present.

        To disperse alligators, we use a discrete spatial convolution method
        .  This is similar to a 'blur filter' used by many image-processing
        computer programs, and is a process that takes the contents of a
        cell and redistributes it according to a dispersal kernel).  The
        dispersal kernels are sized according to average dispersal distance
        of each alligator stage. The subadult stage is most mobile, while
        adults and hatchlings are more sedentary.

        Output of the model is a 3-D alligator density matrix, with space (x
        and y) along two axes, and the stage classes along the third axis. 
        Also included are a 'running average' of the historical health and
        survival rates of each stage in each cell.  This construct is easily
        summed for total alligator population,  or subsampled to check for
        corroboration with field data.  Instantaneous densities, and local
        rates-of-change can be calculated from this model.

        We will concentrate our work on: 1. Developing 'virtual' night-light
        and nesting survey routes that correspond with NPS SRF, USFWS
        alligator monitoring.  This will allow calibration and validation of
        the current model and checks on future model modifications. 2.
        Further modification of the model to incorporate new monitoring
        data. 3. Providing model runs and interpretation for CERP projects.
      Process_Date: 2005
    Process_Step:
      Process_Description:
        Work planned for FY 2004 includes:

        1. Relative distribution, abundance, and demographic structure of
        the American alligator in relation to habitat, water levels, and
        salinities:

        a. Continue monitoring of alligator populations throughout the
        Greater Everglades. b. Complete estimates of correction factors for
        environmental conditions and detection probabilities. c. Continue
        monitoring of alligator condition throughout the Greater Everglades.
        d. Provide data essential for validation of the ATLSS alligator
        population model.

        To determine demographic structure (size class and sex) semi-annual
        capture surveys will continue to be performed using the skiffs, jon
        boats, airboats, and trucks at night along estuarine rivers and
        freshwater canals and marshes extending fromt he mangrove fringe of
        Everglades National Park north to Arthur R. Marshall National
        Wildlife Refuge.   Alligators will be captured by hand, noose, dart,
        or tongs.  Total length, snout-vent length, tail girth, and weight
        will be measured, and sex determined.  In addition the relative
        condition of alligators will be determined by doing a condition
        factor analysis.

        2. Mapping and Characterizing Aquatic Refugia in Everglades National
        Park and Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

        Mapping: Aquatic refugia in Everglades National Park will be located
        and mapped using a combination of aerial photography (supplied by
        Everglades National Park and/or Loxahatchee National Wildlife
        Refuge) and global position system (GPS) technology.  Photographic
        imagery will be analyzed using a geographic information system
        (GIS).  All GPS data will be managed using GIS.

        Ecological characterization: Location of refugia can be categorized
        by position in central slough or peripheral wetland and by proximity
        to landscape features such as canals.  Structure and function of
        aquatic refugia will be determined from field studies of selected
        holes.

        Analysis of spatial patterns:  State-of-the-art spatial statistics
        will be used to analyze the data.

        3. Population-Based Simulation Modeling of American Alligator
        Populations in Support of CERP

        a. Continue refining the alligator model, to continue with
        validation as new data are released, and to actively seek out and
        gather data from any new scenarios that are developed in 2003. b.
        Simulate these hydrologic scenarios and provide results to project
        planners. c. Develop an intuitive graphical user interface for the
        model and release it to CERP managers.

        At this time, we have performed simulations using all of the
        available data sets (calibration 1979-95, 1995 and 2050 base
        1965-95, and the restoration scenario D13-R 1965-95).  We have also
        devised a validation regimen that will allow us to check the
        accuracy of the predicted output from the calibration data set by
        comparing nighttime spotlighting surveys along georeferenced trails
        with a virtual survey performed along the same paths through the
        simulation output.  Preliminary tests indicate that the model has a
        close fit to actual survey counts.  The calibration data have only
        been released through 1995, which is approximately the same time
        that comprehensive spotlight surveys were started, so we have a very
        limited overlap from which to draw validation data.  In the near
        future, these data should be released through 2002, at which time we
        will be able to run a more comprehensive set of comparisons. In
        addition, new project scenarios have been proposed, and when the
        water management simulation data is released, there will be a need
        for alligator population responses to those projects.
      Process_Date: 2005
      Process_Contact:
        Contact_Information:
          Contact_Person_Primary:
            Contact_Person: Kenneth G. Rice
            Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
          Contact_Address:
            Address_Type: mailing address
            Address:
              University of Florida Field Station

              3205 College Ave.
            City: Ft. Lauderdale
            State_or_Province: FL
            Postal_Code: 33314
            Country: USA
          Contact_Voice_Telephone: 954 577-6305
          Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 954 577-6347
          Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ken_g_rice@usgs.gov
Spatial_Reference_Information:
  Horizontal_Coordinate_System_Definition:
    Planar:
      Grid_Coordinate_System:
        Grid_Coordinate_System_Name: Universal Transverse Mercator
        Universal_Transverse_Mercator:
          UTM_Zone_Number: 17
          Transverse_Mercator:
            Scale_Factor_at_Central_Meridian: 0.9996
            Longitude_of_Central_Meridian: -81
            Latitude_of_Projection_Origin: 0
            False_Easting: 500000
            False_Northing: 0
      Planar_Coordinate_Information:
        Planar_Coordinate_Encoding_Method: Coordinate Pair
        Coordinate_Representation:
          Abscissa_Resolution: 0.01
          Ordinate_Resolution: 0.01
        Planar_Distance_Units: meters
    Geodetic_Model:
      Horizontal_Datum_Name: North American Datum of 1983
      Ellipsoid_Name: Geodetic Reference System 80
      Semi-major_Axis: 6378137
      Denominator_of_Flattening_Ratio: 298.257
Distribution_Information:
  Distributor:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Person_Primary:
        Contact_Person: Kenneth G. Rice
        Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing address
        Address:
          University of Florida Field Station

          3205 College Ave.
        City: Ft. Lauderdale
        State_or_Province: FL
        Postal_Code: 33314
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: 954 577-6305
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 954 577-6347
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: ken_g_rice@usgs.gov
  Resource_Description: American alligator data
  Distribution_Liability: No warrantees are implied or explicit for the data
  Standard_Order_Process:
    Non-digital_Form: model support data
    Fees: none
    Ordering_Instructions: Contact Kenneth G. Rice for information and data from this project.
Metadata_Reference_Information:
  Metadata_Date: 20070227
  Metadata_Contact:
    Contact_Information:
      Contact_Person_Primary:
        Contact_Person: Heather Henkel
        Contact_Organization: U.S. Geological Survey
      Contact_Address:
        Address_Type: mailing and physical address
        Address: 600 Fourth Street South
        City: St. Petersburg
        State_or_Province: FL
        Postal_Code: 33701
        Country: USA
      Contact_Voice_Telephone: 727 803-8747 ext 3028
      Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 727 803-2030
      Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: sofia-metadata@usgs.gov
  Metadata_Standard_Name:
    Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata Part 1: Biological Data
    Profile
  Metadata_Standard_Version: FGDC-STD-001.1-1999