Evaluation of VIE, PIT, and p‐Chip tagging methods in a small bodied minnow species

Author(s):  
Desiree M. Moore ◽  
Shannon K. Brewer
Keyword(s):  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teja Curk ◽  
Martina Scacco ◽  
Kamran Safi ◽  
Martin Wikelski ◽  
Wolfgang Fiedler ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundThe use of tracking technologies is key for the study of animal movement and pivotal to ecological and conservation research. However, the potential effects of devices attached to animals are sometimes neglected. The impact of tagging not only rises welfare concerns, but can also bias the data collected, causing misinterpretation of the observed behaviour which invalidates the comparability of information across individuals and populations. Patagial (wing) tags have been extensively used as a marking method for visual resightings in endangered vulture species, but their effect on the aerodynamics of the birds and their flight behaviour is yet to be investigated. Using GPS backpack mounted devices, we compared the flight performance of 27 captive and wild Cape Vultures (Gyps coprotheres), marked with either patagial tags or coloured leg bands.ResultsIndividuals equipped with patagial tags were less likely to fly, travelled shorter distances and flew slower compared to individuals equipped with leg bands. These effects were also observed in one individual that recovered its flight performance after replacing its patagial tag by a leg band.ConclusionsAlthough we did not measure the effects of patagial tags on body condition or survival, our study strongly suggests that they have severe adverse effects on vultures’ flight behaviour and emphasises the importance of investigating the effects that tagging methods can have on the behaviour and conservation of the study species, as well as on the quality of the scientific results.


<em>Abstract</em>.—The emerging use of genetic markers for stock identification is advantageous as this technique utilizes an inherent permanent mark, it eliminates stress associated with conventional tagging methods, and mark recovery is nonlethal. In controlled experiments, increased accuracy and reliability have been demonstrated with genetic tags, as compared to other commonly used markers. While a variety of genetic markers exist for fish identification, microsatellites are preferred because of their polymorphic nature and versatile use, including identification of population structure, measures of genetic diversity, and parentage analysis. Microsatellites provide a cost-effective tool for a variety of applications, including their use in complex experimental designs, as well as responsible genetic population management. We provide examples of the use of microsatellites as genetic tags in South Carolina striped bass <em>Morone saxatilis</em>, describing an experimental restoration effort in the Ashley River and a large-scale stock enhancement effort for the Santee-Cooper reservoirs.


<i>Abstract</i>.—In designing research programs, scientists may constrain development of sequential hypotheses because of perceptions about logistical constraints to using new technologies in monitoring or experimental design. Using trusted, familiar methods can supersede asking which hypotheses would have the greatest impact and what method(s) are required to test them. To help maintain a ‘problem-oriented’ approach, rather than a ‘methods oriented’ one, we could strive to remain aware of new innovations and applications in research; this is particularly so for tagging technology, when new methods emerge. Research enabled by recent innovations can be incorporated through collaborations with other scientists or by working directly with vendors to implement and refine new tag technologies and applications. Some tagging studies can be improved by using multiple marking methods (e.g. see recent applications of various tag technologies with common snook <i>Centropomus undecimalis </i>and red drum <i>Sciaenops ocellatus </i>in Florida to evaluate recruitment, mortality, and habitat use of different life stages; Adams et al. 2006; Bennett 2006; Marcinkiewicz, 2007; Brennan et al. 2008; Tringali et al. 2008). Here we consider a few case studies that have implemented a variety of tagging methods to explore poorly understood factors that mediate growth and survival and the effectiveness of hatchery releases to help replenish depleted marine fish stocks.


Author(s):  
Fatima Jahara ◽  
Adrita Barua ◽  
MD. Asif Iqbal ◽  
Avishek Das ◽  
Omar Sharif ◽  
...  

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan C. Ebner ◽  
Mark Lintermans ◽  
Mark Jekabsons ◽  
Mark Dunford ◽  
William Andrews

Telemetry is useful for monitoring rare and threatened species if they can be effectively tagged. Relatively abundant, closely related species are sometimes used as surrogates in refining tagging methods or testing the suitability of methods before transfer to rare and threatened species. A decision framework for developing a radio-tagging method of an endangered fish (Macquaria australasica; Percichthyidae) is presented based on experiences with tagging a closely related, surrogate species (Macquaria ambigua). Aquaria and field-based trials demonstrated the suitability of internally implanting a radio-tag with an externally exited antenna on the surrogate species. However, transferring this method to the endangered species under field conditions was unsuccessful in terms of mortality and/or radio-tag rejection. In this case, a surrogate species served to refine radio-tagging methods, but did not successfully indicate the suitability of these methods for a closely related species. This cautionary tale illustrates that surrogate species are not always effective and extrapolation of methods, even across closely related species, may be perilous.


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