Alligator Reproduction 0202 Time Lapse

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While the blackbirds sattle down for the night, american alligators prefer to hunt under the cover of darkness. With their highly developed senses, they have no difficulties recognizing the approaching storm. When the female alligator returns to her nest, she discovers, that yet another alligator has opened the ground and played her eggs on top of her own. From now on the dominant female will rule over the nest and chase off any intruders, including other female alligators. With the nest secured, she find time to rest but always aware of possible danger.
Balanced weather conditions such as proper temperature and high humidity are essential for the development of the fertilized eggs. Its shell protects the embryo from a constant barrage of soil organism. Filamentous fungi frequently attack and infect many alligator egg membranes. Embryos from grossly affected eggs show retarded development and resulting in death. Yet bad weather remains the biggest threat to any alligator nest. Heavy rain storms can destroy the incubating eggs of the entire season.
Older, more experienced female alligator, tend to build their nest on higher grounds to avoid the flooding of their eggs. This behavior is not fully understood yet but it certainly ensures the survival of the fittest. Alligator Reproduction was filmed by Heiko Kiera aka Ojatro in Florida in 2016.