Abstract

Approximately 30 alligator eggs were collected for metal analysis from 17 to 30 nests selected at random from each of the 6 largest lakes or collection areas in Florida. Thirty eggs from nine nests were collected at a productive area in Louisiana and served as controls. Thirty eggs were randomly collected from each of 4 alligator farms (where diet was approximately known) for a comparison. The following reproductive parameters for nests from each lake were determined: clutch size, clutch mass, egg size, deviation of egg from spheroidal shape, egg major/minor axis ratios, egg yolk percent, egg white percent, egg shell percent, egg membrane percent, egg fertility, embryonic death rate, developmental stage of the dead embryo, and hatching yield. Hatchling vigor was determined for each lake. Egg white and yolk were separated from each egg and digested by a cold acid technique. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined for the egg white and yolk of each egg by means of a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mean value and the range of metal concentrations for eggs from each lake were determined and correlated with reproductive parameters determined for the lake.