Annual population estimates of harvestable alligators ranged from 2,023 to 3,299 for th e three study areas together and a total of 3,307 alligators were harvested over the ten years of the study. Night-light counts remained stable on all harvest and control areas but some evidence of lower counts of larger alligators were evident. Counts of juvenile alligators increased on two of the three study areas. Nest production was mostly influenced by water levels and predation and remained stable or increased during the study. Clutch sizes varied between the five sites but did not change on either treatment or control areas.
Detailed analysis is presented on fecundity, growth rates, sex ratios and survival.
Additional information is given on movements, diets, ecological effects and sociological parameters of the study. No evidence was found that the alligator harvest affected fish populations or nutrient levels in the lakes. Daylight visibility of alligators dropped immediately after hunts but recovered fully by the following year suggesting that the harvest had only a temporary effect on daylight viewing of alligators by tourists. However, differences between the study areas in response of demographic parameters to harvest indicate that wetlands with dissimilar characteristics may not respond in the same manner to alligator harvest. The ponds are naturally dug with pumps constantly running water, and drains.