Photographic Identification as a Noninvasive Marking Technique for Lacertid Lizards

摘要

Color and body patterns have long been used to identify individual lacertid lizards (Schmidt-Loske 1996), but may be unsuitable for long-term studies because they vary with reproductive condition, age, and other factors (Henle et al. 1997). Elbing and Rykena (1996) found that individual Lacerta viridis could be recognized by patterns of head scalation, and although these scales do not vary over time (Fox 1975), Elbing and Rykena (1996) considered this method of identifying individuals to be excessively time consuming and, in some cases, difficult to use because of the small size of the scales. Recently, Steinicke et al. (2000) found photographic identification of the scales of the first four rows of ventrals to be a suitable technique for recognizing individuals of five species of lacertids (Lacerta agilis, L. bilineata, L, viridis, L, vivipara, and Podarcis muralis). Photographic identification of individuals by means of scale patterns is an emergent technique with a promising future, but it is necessary to examine other species before it can be considered suitable for lacertids, and other lizards generally. The method also must be improved to reduce the titne required for identification, especially when many individuals are involved in the study.