01435naa a2200217 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000200006024500540008026000090013452009230014365000140106665000160108065000120109665000120110865300140112065300110113465300120114570000150115777300450117217947541999-03-25       1979    bl ---       0--  u    #d1 aCHABRECK, R. H.  aGrowth rates of American alligators in Louisiana.  c1979  aA capture-recapture technique was used to determine growth rates of American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in Louisiana. A strong relationship was found between total lenght and both snout-vent lenght and weight. Comparisons between small alligators showed that growth rates of males and females are not different until animals attain a total lenght of 1.0 m, after which growth of females declines sharply. Growth rates during different periods of the year are greatest during mid-summer and less during the spring and fall; no growth occurs during winter (oct-Mar). A mathematical model indicates that males grow fairly rapidly for 20 years (until they are 3.50 m long) and that they reach a projected total lenght of 4.20 m at age 80. Growth of females declines consioderably after age 10, and indiciduals are only about 2.55 m long ate age 20. The maximum projected lenght of females is 2.73 m at age 45.  aLouisiana  aCrescimento  aJacaré  aRéptil  aAlligator  aGrowth  aReptile1 aJOANEN, T.  tHerpetologicagv.35, n.1, p.51-57, 1979.