Research Spotlight Research Spotlight

Mapping and Characterization of Alligator Holes in Everglades National Park
This project has three aims 1) to map the distribution and abundance of alligator holes in Everglades National Park (ENP) 2) to document the occupancy of alligator holes by alligators, and 3) to characterize the morphology and vegetation of selected alligator holes... Read more

Who we are Who We Are

The University of Florida has many research centers around the state, including the Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. The mission of FLREC is to protect the environment of South Florida by developing, in partnership with other institutions, technologies for sustainable maintenance and management of landscapes, and to reduce the impact of invasive animals and plants on the area's natural and urban habitats. Part of this effort is being addressed by the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department at FLREC. A major focus of our research and education programs involves evaluating effects of human activities on wildlife and their habitats. In addition to crocodilian research, modeling, and monitoring, we conduct field research projects for several agencies including U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, South Florida Water Management District, and Everglades Agricultural Area Environmental Protection District. Recent projects involve integrating field sampling of wildlife and vegetation, as well as GIS-based species habitat modeling. This GIS-based modeling is used to assess effects of human activities on ecosystem integrity and to form a basis for management decisions. Our main goal is to focus on developing long-term, science-based, GIS/GPS integrated, research, monitoring, and education programs to support ecological restoration and management efforts in South Florida.