The effects of implanting Green Frogs with Passive Integrated Transponder tags
LE3 .A278 2015
2015
Avery, Trevor Smith, Todd
Acadia University
Bachelor of Science
Honours
Biology
Individual identification of amphibians is necessary to effectively monitor populations. Identification methods must be easily applicable in the field and have reliable readability and retention. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags as a marking method for Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans). PIT tags have unique identification numbers, and were implanted into the body cavity of 65 Green Frog tadpoles, either 1) dorsally, 2) ventrally, or 3) in the tail. Tadpoles from two collections, one caught in mid-June and another in late July, were assigned randomly to five and four groups, respectively. Two groups in each collection period were designated as control groups (handled and handled plus incised) within which tadpoles were not tagged. All 13 tadpoles tagged in the tail in mid-June died after tagging so this trial was not repeated in late July. Mortality rates for tadpoles tagged ventrally (15% in both mid-June and late July) were similar to those tagged dorsally (8% in mid-June and 15% in late July), and only slightly greater, but not significantly so, than the combined total of four control groups (9%). Tadpoles tagged dorsally had tail resorption rates that were not significantly different from the handled control group (p=0.325) or the handled plus incised control group (p=0.254). The ventral group had tail resorption rates that were significantly different from the handled control group (p=0.001) and the handled plus incised control group (p>0.001). The handled control group did not have a significantly different tail resorption rate than the handled and incised control group (p=0.795). Post-mortem dissection of the ventral and dorsal trial groups revealed that tags remained loosely floating in the peritoneal cavity of tadpoles and young frogs. PIT tags look to be an effective tagging method when inserted ventrally or dorsally. This method of tagging will be used to monitor amphibians in the area of dry and wet passageways near Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.
https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1217