Pits versus patterns: effects of transponders on recapture
rate and body condition of Danube crested newts (Triturus
Dobrogicus) and common spadefoot toads (Pelobates Fuscus)

Jehle, R; Hodl, W

Abstract

During a long-terrn study (1987-1996) near Vienna (Austria), individual Danube crested
newts (Trititrus dobrogicus) and cornmon spadefoot toads (Pelobates fuscus) were registered by
photographs of highly variable Skin patterns, and the implantation of Passive lntegrated
Transponders (PIT tags). To test for potential detrirnental efficts of the electronic tags, we
cornpared within-year (for P. fiiscus) and between-year (for T. dobrogiczts) recapture rates and
body condition index (CI) of individuals rnarked with the two altcrnative techniques. No
significant negative effects of PIT tags on CI and recapture rate could be dernonstrated for either
spccies. There was a decrease in body condition and recapture rates in the study years 1995 and
1996, but can be attributed to population trends rather than to the different rnarking rnethods. For
recaptured T ~iobrogicusa 10.5% loss of PIT tags was observed.

Citation

Dobrogicus) and common spadefoot toads (Pelobates Fuscus). Herpetological journal, 8, 181-186

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 1998
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 30, 2009
• Journal: Herpetological Journal
• Print ISSN: 0268-0130
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Pages: 181-186
• Publisher URL: http://www.thebhs.org/pubs_journal.html