The Effectiveness of Fluorescent Powdered Pigments as a Tracking Technique for Amphibians

Gabrielle J. Graeter and Betsie B. Rothermel

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, The University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, USA

Abstract: Researchers often use thread-trailing devices or radio-telemetry to study amphibian movement and terrestrial habitat use. However, small size and sensitive skin can make these methods problematic, if not impossible, for some amphibian species or life stages. Fluorescent powdered pigments are useful for obtaining detailed information about short-term movement, behavior, and microhabitat use of other animals, including mammals, reptiles, and insects. More recently, they have been used to track the terrestrial movements of amphibians. Using fluorescent powder to track amphibians has several advantages, including being relatively inexpensive, harmless to amphibians, and suitable for use on juveniles and small species.