Questions in population ecology require the study of marked animals, and marks are assumed to be permanent and not overlooked by observers. I evaluated retention through metamorphosis of visual implant elastomer marks in larval salamanders and frogs and assessed error in observer identification of these marks. I found 1) individual marks were not retained in larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica), whereas only small marks were likely to be retained in larval salamanders (Eurycea bislineata), and 2) observers did not always correctly identify marked animals. Evaluating the assumptions of marking protocols is important in the design phase of a study so that correct inference can be made about the population processes of interest. This guidance should be generally useful to the design of mark–recapture studies, with particular application to studies of larval amphibians.
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1 July 2008
Visual Implant Elastomer Mark Retention Through Metamorphosis in Amphibian Larvae
Evan H. Campbell Grant
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Journal of Wildlife Management
Vol. 72 • No. 5
July 2008
Vol. 72 • No. 5
July 2008
mark retention
marking error
multistate model
Observer error
Salamander larvae
tadpole
visual implant elastomer