Everglades’ alligator numbers drop after dry years. (2015, October 30). Retrieved November 23, 2015, from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/10/151030161345.htm

Researchers from U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Florida have collected data showing that the populations of American Alligators have decreased after the passing of dry periods, but recovered after the climate has become more moderate. Alligator behavior and habitat may change depending on the abundance of water. If there is a lack of water, males must use more energy to locate females to mate with, females may lose nesting abilities, and competition for resources will increase. There is a population present in the Everglades, a wetland restoration area stretching from Orlando to Florida Bay which aims to regain biodiversity.

The change in climate is clearly a major disruption to the normal function of the alligator. The populations of alligators could be severely reduced if the earth continues to warm as a result of the excess amounts of greenhouse gases that continue to be released into the atmosphere. As resources and ability to produce offspring lessens, so does biodiversity. The alligators in the Everglades are used to assess the overall health of the wetland ecosystem as it responds to the restoration project.