Clemas, Rebecca J., Germano, Jennifer M., Speare, Richard, and Bishop, Phillip J. (2009) Use of three individual marking methods in Australian frogs (Genus: Litoria) with notes on placement of visable implant alphanumeric tags. New Zealand Natural Sciences, 34. pp. 1-7.

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Abstract

With controversy over toe-clipping as an ethical and effective approach to individual marking methods, finding a method that least impacts anurans needs to be a priority. Our aim was to evaluate handling and processing time plus recapture rates for fluorescent Visible Implant Alphanumeric (VIA) tags, toe-clipping and photographic identification techniques that would be suitable for use with Litoria ewingii and L. raniformis. VIA tags were initially trialled in these two species in captivity, using a range of insertion points. They were most effective in L. ewingii when inserted in the interfermoral sac. We found VIA tags were ineffective for L. raniformis, both because of skin pigmentation and subcutaneous lymph sacs were relatively large for the tag size so they migrated. Therefore we suggest VIA tags may be useful in juvenile L. raniformis only. Marking trials to compare the handling and processing times of the VIA tags, toe-clipping and photographic identification in the wild for L. ewingii were carried out in three ponds in Dunedin, New Zealand. VIA tags were significantly faster for recapture handling times, with toe-clipping having a significantly lower handling time on initial capture of an animal. When processing time was incorporated, photo identification took the longest out of the three marking methods tested. Our results indicate VIA tags to be a reliable method, toe-clipping to be effective but we would not support photo identification as a technique for L. ewingii.

Item ID:	11296
Item Type:	Article (Research - C1)
ISSN:	0113-7492
Keywords:	Litoria ewingii; L. raniformis; amphibian; toe-clipping; photographic identification; fluorescent visible implant alphanumeric tags; population research
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2010 03:48
FoR Codes:	06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0608 Zoology > 060801 Animal Behaviour @ 100%
SEO Codes:	96 ENVIRONMENT > 9604 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species > 960499 Control of Pests, Diseases and Exotic Species not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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