Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

One step forward: contrasting the effects of Toe clipping and PIT tagging on frog survival and recapture probability

Full text
Author(s):
Guimaraes, Murilo [1] ; Correa, Decio T. [1, 2] ; Filho, Sergio S. [3] ; Oliveira, Thiago A. L. [3] ; Doherty, Jr., Paul F. [4] ; Sawaya, Ricardo J. [5]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Programa Posgrad Ecol, Dept Biol Anim, Inst Biol, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Texas Austin, Ecol Evolut & Behav Grad Program, Dept Integrat Biol, Austin, TX 78712 - USA
[3] Univ Estadual Paulista, Programa Posgrad Biol Anim, Dept Zool & Bot, BR-15054000 Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP - Brazil
[4] Colorado State Univ, Fish Wildlife & Conservat Biol Dept, Ft Collins, CO 80523 - USA
[5] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Ciencias Biol, BR-09972270 Diadema, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION; v. 4, n. 8, p. 1480-1490, APR 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 13
Abstract

Amphibians have been declining worldwide and the comprehension of the threats that they face could be improved by using mark-recapture models to estimate vital rates of natural populations. Recently, the consequences of marking amphibians have been under discussion and the effects of toe clipping on survival are debatable, although it is still the most common technique for individually identifying amphibians. The passive integrated transponder (PIT tag) is an alternative technique, but comparisons among marking techniques in free-ranging populations are still lacking. We compared these two marking techniques using mark-recapture models to estimate apparent survival and recapture probability of a neotropical population of the blacksmith tree frog, Hypsiboas faber. We tested the effects of marking technique and number of toe pads removed while controlling for sex. Survival was similar among groups, although slightly decreased from individuals with one toe pad removed, to individuals with two and three toe pads removed, and finally to PIT-tagged individuals. No sex differences were detected. Recapture probability slightly increased with the number of toe pads removed and was the lowest for PIT-tagged individuals. Sex was an important predictor for recapture probability, with males being nearly five times more likely to be recaptured. Potential negative effects of both techniques may include reduced locomotion and high stress levels. We recommend the use of covariates in models to better understand the effects of marking techniques on frogs. Accounting for the effect of the technique on the results should be considered, because most techniques may reduce survival. Based on our results, but also on logistical and cost issues associated with PIT tagging, we suggest the use of toe clipping with anurans like the blacksmith tree frog. (AU)