GROWTH-RATES OF AMERICAN ALLIGATORS IN COASTAL SOUTH-CAROLINA

Growth rates were thought to be slower in the more northern portion of the American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) range (i.e., S. C.), which would have important implications on life-history traits su ch as age and size of sexual maturity. We used capture-recapture data from 1972 to 1993 to determine growth rates of alligators in South Car olina. Males grew (20.2 cm/yr, 0-6 yr age; 7.22 cm/yr 6 yr age to mode l asymptote) faster (P < 0.001) than females (18.0 cm/yr, 0-6 yr age; 6.34 cm/yr, 6 yr age to model asymptote) and reached a larger mean asy mptotic size (M = 3.79 +/- 0.08 SE m, F = 2.78 +/- 0.04 m). From earli er studies, South Carolina alligators reached sexual maturity at an ol der age and larger body size than alligators found elsewhere. Delayed breeding at larger size in South Carolina may be related more to socia l dominance than to growth rates. An understanding of age and size rel ations are essential if alligators are to be managed effectively.