How are frogs "mark-recaptured"

Question

For scientific analysis (determining area of movement, etc) how are frogs marked for recapture?

Answer 1

I'm sure you could google mark-recapture analysis to find out more about the process, it's too long to get into here. Basically you mark a bunch of animals, and then you survey for them, which allows you to estimate population size, and survival. I think to mark frogs, people often cut off toes.

Answer 2

A popular way to mark frogs during research is by toe-clipping. This site shows how its done..

http://www.ehow.com/how_2163085_mark-fro...

Answer 3

Frogs are mark-recaptured using several methods, such as toe-clipping, microchipping, or pattern mapping.

In toe-clipping, each toe stands for a specific digit, from 1 to 9 one one side, and 10 to 90 (10, 20, 20, ... to 90) on the other (I forgot which is which, sorry, but Hot Buttered Monkey Knuckles' link is a great one). Each individual is given a number. For example, for from number 14, you cut toes number 10 and four (there is a certain formula for this, see Jean-Marc Hero's publication). After cutting, you must put a certain antiseptic/antibacterial on the cut toe, and disinfect your scissors before going on with the next frog. Also, you can't cut the thumbs because male frogs use the thumbs during mating.

However, this method is perceived as a bit barbaric. Some argue that the method affects frogs' survival rate, mobility, behavior, even causes mortality. Nowadays, I don't know if you can get pass the ethics committee with this method.

Other methods that can be used is using microchips. Tiny microchip, each with a unique code, is injected below the skin of the frogs. When captured, you use a scanner to scan the frog to check its code, or if it's a new capture. There are different microchip sizes. This method can only be used on medium to large frogs, depending on the size of the microchip. And of course, you have to have a certain permit to be able to inject the microchips in your frog.

Pattern mapping is a non-invasive method. You basically take a picture of the frog from all sides and differentiate individuals based on their skin patterns. However, for some species, patterns change by seasons.

Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. You can compare the effectiveness by reading other studies with mark-recapture, and see which can be applied in your study. Sorry this is so long, and this barely touches on the subject! Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Amphibians are one group I have never actually marked and I can imagine they would be hard to mark without interfering with their physiology.  

Here's a paper that looks at some different marking techniques for frogs:

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/research/papers/s...