The efficacy of using Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags without anaesthetic in free-living frogs

Abstract

The Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) System was trialed to determine its usefulness as a perm anent marking system for Litoria aurea. Six Limnodvnastes peronii were injected with PIT tags and monitored prior to using this identification method in two Litoria aurea populations. The appetite and mobility of captive frogs did not appear to be affected by insertion of PIT tags as evidenced by no significant change in their body weight. No mortality related to the tagging method was recorded. At present, 194 free-living Liforia aurea have been marked, with no adverse effects experienced during the tagging process.