Difficulties identifying Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) in the wild using whisker spot patterns

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia K. Osterrieder ◽  
Iain M. Parnum ◽  
Chandra P. Salgado Kent ◽  
Randall W. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Individual Identification ◽  
Distance Transform ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Neophoca Cinerea ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Chamfer Distance ◽  
Wild Individual

Individual identification is a beneficial tool in behavioural and ecological research. In mark–recapture studies, for example, it can improve abundance, residency and site fidelity estimates. Two non-invasive, photo-identification approaches, using whisker spot patterns, were tested to identify wild individual Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea). The Chamfer distance transform algorithm has shown promising results when applied to captive individuals. An alternative matching method using row/column locations of whisker spots, previously applied to lions (Panthera leo) was also tested. Resighting wild N. cinerea in this study proved unfeasible with both methods. Excessive variation between photographs of the same individual was found when applying the Chamfer distance transform, and similarity between photograph-pairs appeared to decrease with increasing time between photographs. Insufficient variation among N. cinerea row/column pattern was detected to successfully discriminate among individuals, averaging 39 mystacial spots (range 30–46, n = 20) in seven rows and 9–10 columns. Additionally, different observers marking the same photographs introduced considerable variation. Colour difference (red, green and blue colour levels) between the whisker spots and surrounding fur affected marking spot locations significantly, increasing uncertainty when contrast decreased. While other pattern-matching algorithms may improve performance, accurate identification of spot locations was the current limitation.

scholarly journals Whisker spot patterns: a noninvasive method of individual identification of Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea)

2015 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 988-997 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia K. Osterrieder ◽  
Chandra Salgado Kent ◽  
Carlos J. R. Anderson ◽  
Iain M. Parnum ◽  
Randall W. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Individual Identification ◽  
Noninvasive Method ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
Neophoca Cinerea

scholarly journals A simple tool for linking photo-identification with multimedia data to track mammal behaviour

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre M. S. Machado ◽  
Mauricio Cantor
Keyword(s):  
Bottlenose Dolphins ◽  
R Package ◽  
Multimedia Data ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Individual Identification ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Free Ranging

AbstractIdentifying individual animals is critical to describe demographic and behavioural patterns, and to investigate the ecological and evolutionary underpinnings of these patterns. The traditional non-invasive method of individual identification in mammals—comparison of photographed natural marks—has been improved by coupling other sampling methods, such as recording overhead video, audio and other multimedia data. However, aligning, linking and syncing these multimedia data streams are persistent challenges. Here, we provide computational tools to streamline the integration of multiple techniques to identify individual free-ranging mammals when tracking their behaviour in the wild. We developed an open-source R package for organizing multimedia data and for simplifying their processing a posteriori—“MAMMals: Managing Animal MultiMedia: Align, Link, Sync”. The package contains functions to (i) align and link the individual data from photographs to videos, audio recordings and other text data sources (e.g. GPS locations) from which metadata can be accessed; and (ii) synchronize and extract the useful multimedia (e.g. videos with audios) containing photo-identified individuals. To illustrate how these tools can facilitate linking photo-identification and video behavioural sampling in situ, we simultaneously collected photos and videos of bottlenose dolphins using off-the-shelf cameras and drones, then merged these data to track the foraging behaviour of individuals and groups. We hope our simple tools encourage future work that extend and generalize the links between multiple sampling platforms of free-ranging mammals, thereby improving the raw material needed for generating new insights in mammalian population and behavioural ecology.

Breeding and longevity in captive Australian sea lions Neophoca cinerea at zoos and aquaria in Australia: 1965-2003.

2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Ling ◽  
C. Atkin ◽  
A. Barnes ◽  
A. Fischer ◽  
M. Guy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
South Australia ◽  
Embryonic Diapause ◽  
Birth Intervals ◽  
Sea Lions ◽  
Neophoca Cinerea ◽  
South Wales ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Mean

Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) are known to have been kept in aquaria and zoos in Australia since 1965. During that time at least 41 births were recorded, of which 19 were in Adelaide, 15 at Adelaide Zoo and 4 at Marineland of South Australia. The mean interval between successive births in Adelaide was 538.9 � 9.5 days (18.0 months; n = 10) and the mean assumed pregnancy period, including embryonic diapause, was 536.0 � 11.4 days (17.9 months; n = 9). The mean interval between parturition and presumed successful mating was 8.4 � 1.6 days (n = 5). Births occurred in all months except January, June, August and December. Figures for New South Wales and Queensland establishments are too small and scattered over time for any pregnancy periods or birth intervals to be determined. Likewise, latitudinal differences, if any, were not evident, because of the paucity of data from these more northerly places. One female at the Adelaide Zoo produced 8 pups between 1986 and 1997; she is still alive after 22 years in captivity. The youngest known-age (captive-born) female was 4 years, 8 months old when she gave birth to her first pup; and the oldest female in captivity to give birth to a pup was aged approximately 21 years, 8 months. The longest recorded captive period for a female was more than 25 years by 31 December 2003, and for a male it was 21 years, 11 months. A captive-bred female was still alive after 18 years, 2 months, 24 days; another such female died aged 18 years, 2 months, 18 days. These life spans appear to be similar to those that meagre data suggest for tagged N. cinerea in the wild.

scholarly journals Efficiency of photo identification of inguinal color patterns of Pithecopus gonzagai (Anura: Phyllomedusidae) from northeastern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
Frede Lima-Araujo ◽  
Ana Carolina Brasileiro ◽  
Elvis Franklin Fernandes Carvalho ◽  
Daniel Cunha Passos
Keyword(s):  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Individual Identification ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Color Patterns ◽  
Target Species ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Matching Efficiency ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Animal Monitoring

Animal monitoring research involving mark-recapture techniques increasingly requires non-invasive methods of individual identification. The photographic identification method (PIM) is an excellent tool for this purpose and has been applied successfully to many taxa. However, the utility of PIM is a function of species-specific features that are judged suitable for a given target-species. Herein, the suitability of inguinal color patterns for photo identification of individuals of Pithecopus gonzagai are evaluated by comparing two widely used computer-assisted photographic matching programs (I³S and Wild.ID). Both programs accurately identified more than 70% of individuals in the top 20 potential matching photographs. Wild.ID was slightly better than I³S in matching efficiency and has a faster processing time. Thus, PIM is useful to identify individual P. gonzagai; however, before implementing the technique in animal-monitoring studies of other taxa, one must evaluate the suitability PIM for the target species and calibrate the relative efficiency of the software programs in identifying individuals.

scholarly journals Monitoring amphibian species with complex chromatophore patterns: a non-invasive approach with an evaluation of software effectiveness and reliability

2019 ◽  
pp. 13-22
Author(s):  
Julian Renet
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Rejection Rate ◽  
Individual Identification ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Demographic Parameters ◽  
Amphibian Species ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Body Patterns

The estimation of demographic parameters in wild populations is strengthened by individual identification. For amphibians, various techniques are used to either temporarily or permanently mark individuals for identification. Photo-identification of body patterns offers a non-invasive technique. However, the reliability of photo-recognition software is key to the reliable estimation of the true demographic parameters. In the current study, we assessed the effectiveness of fully-automated and semi-automated software: Wild-ID and APHIS. We used the cryptic salamander Hydromantes strinatii as our study species. We used the False Rejection Rate (FRR) of Top 1, Top 5 and Top 10 matches of chest and cloaca pictures. Finally, we assessed the bias induced by our FRR for the estimation of population size through simulation. Wild-ID FRRs ranged from 0.042 to 0.093 while APHIS’ ranged from 0.227 to 0.547. Wild-ID was equally efficient with pictures from the chest and from the cloaca, while APHIS was significantly more efficient with chest pictures than cloaca pictures. Cropping pictures did not significantly improve Wild-ID effectiveness. Our Wild-ID FRRs are among the lowest ever obtained from pictures of an amphibian with a complex chromatophore pattern. Simulation showed that the Top 10 FRR from selected software Wild-ID induced a low bias 2.7% on the estimation of population size. The effectiveness and plasticity of Wild-ID provides opportunities for reliably monitoring amphibian species with complex colour patterns.

scholarly journals Identifying unknown Indian wolves by their distinctive howls: its potential as a non-invasive survey method

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sougata Sadhukhan ◽  
Holly Root-Gutteridge ◽  
Bilal Habib
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Identification Accuracy ◽  
Individual Identification ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Mark Recapture ◽  
Test Dataset ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Supervised Classification Methods

AbstractPrevious studies have posited the use of acoustics-based surveys to monitor population size and estimate their density. However, decreasing the bias in population estimations, such as by using Capture–Mark–Recapture, requires the identification of individuals using supervised classification methods, especially for sparsely populated species like the wolf which may otherwise be counted repeatedly. The cryptic behaviour of Indian wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) poses serious challenges to survey efforts, and thus, there is no reliable estimate of their population despite a prominent role in the ecosystem. Like other wolves, Indian wolves produce howls that can be detected over distances of more than 6 km, making them ideal candidates for acoustic surveys. Here, we explore the use of a supervised classifier to identify unknown individuals. We trained a supervised Agglomerative Nesting hierarchical clustering (AGNES) model using 49 howls from five Indian wolves and achieved 98% individual identification accuracy. We tested our model’s predictive power using 20 novel howls from a further four individuals (test dataset) and resulted in 75% accuracy in classifying howls to individuals. The model can reduce bias in population estimations using Capture-Mark-Recapture and track individual wolves non-invasively by their howls. This has potential for studies of wolves’ territory use, pack composition, and reproductive behaviour. Our method can potentially be adapted for other species with individually distinctive vocalisations, representing an advanced tool for individual-level monitoring.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Identification of Nutrient Components in Grain

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (11) ◽  
pp. 3124
Author(s):  
Charles Farber ◽  
A. S. M. Faridul Islam ◽  
Endang M. Septiningsih ◽  
Michael J. Thomson ◽  
Dmitry Kurouski
Keyword(s):  
Rice Variety ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Variety Identification ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Analytical Technique ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Digital Farming

Digital farming is a modern agricultural concept that aims to maximize the crop yield while simultaneously minimizing the environmental impact of farming. Successful implementation of digital farming requires development of sensors to detect and identify diseases and abiotic stresses in plants, as well as to probe the nutrient content of seeds and identify plant varieties. Experimental evidence of the suitability of Raman spectroscopy (RS) for confirmatory diagnostics of plant diseases was previously provided by our team and other research groups. In this study, we investigate the potential use of RS as a label-free, non-invasive and non-destructive analytical technique for the fast and accurate identification of nutrient components in the grains from 15 different rice genotypes. We demonstrate that spectroscopic analysis of intact rice seeds provides the accurate rice variety identification in ~86% of samples. These results suggest that RS can be used for fully automated, fast and accurate identification of seeds nutrient components.

scholarly journals Using reliable predator identification to investigate feeding habits of Neotropical carnivores (Mammalia, Carnivora) in a deforestation frontier of the Brazilian Amazon

Mammalia ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 83 (5) ◽  
pp. 415-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flávia P. Tirelli ◽  
Thales R.O. de Freitas ◽  
Fernanda Michalski ◽  
Alexandre R. Percequillo ◽  
Eduardo Eizirik
Keyword(s):  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Ecological Studies ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Predator Species ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Carnivore Species ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Critical Requirement ◽  
Better Than

Abstract Accurate identification of predator species is a critical requirement to investigate their diet using faecal samples. We used non-invasive sampling and two methods of predator identification to investigate the diets of sympatric carnivores in a highly deforested region of the Brazilian Amazon. Of 108 scats, 81 could be identified at the species level using DNA sequencing and/or trichology. The former performed better than the latter (81.5% vs. 54.3% of the identified samples), and results were quite congruent (89.7% concordance in the 29 samples that could be assessed with both approaches). Nine species were identified, out of which four (crab-eating fox, ocelot, puma and jaguar) presented a sufficient number of samples to allow dietary analyses. The crab-eating fox was the most generalist (BA=0.92); ocelots focused on small- to medium-sized prey; pumas fed mostly on medium-sized items; and jaguars mostly targeted large-sized prey. A considerable overlap was observed between ocelots and pumas in all estimations (O=0.47–0.83). The presence of jaguars in the same region could be driving pumas to select medium- and small-sized prey. The results of this study highlight the importance of reliable predator identification and the need for in-depth ecological studies in areas where carnivore species are sympatric.

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