Individual markings are a reliable non-invasive means of identification over time in blotched blue-tongued lizards, Tiliqua Nigrolutea

摘要: Pattern is often studied by zoologists who wish to re-identify an individual animal within a population. For pattern prove reliable method of identification, it must be unique between individuals and constant throughout time, as has been demonstrated in species such badgers (Dixon, 2003), polar bears (Anderson Waterman, 2007) grey nurse sharks (Bansemer Bennett, 2008). However, little work undertaken on reptiles, which are identified injecting or surgically implanting PIT tags (Jemison et al., 1995; Hilterman toe-clipped (Sacchi 2007). less intrusive more potentially distinguishing individuals. There currently no information available stability the blotched blue tongue lizard (Tiliqua nigrolutea). Markings displayed lizards combination very dark blotches bands paler background, differences these patterns immediately distinguishable. not enough simply state that appear unchanged over they quantified scored some way confirm this so. This project investigated whether remains sufficiently time used identification T. nigrolutea. METHODS We created key ten characters, each with multiple possible character states, focusing features colour shades regions (e.g. grey/gold/salmon), arrangement into connected Figure 1), particular body neck, pelvis tail 2) (dorsal only). allowed objective assessment digital photographs taken period four years (N=29) from five litters grew captivity neonatal (snout vent (SVL) length ≈10 cm adult (SVL > 24 males, SVL 26 females). Digital images dorsal surface at 12 18 months 4 were using compared. Not all photos 10 characters clearly, so only visible scored. Only where score was for least two sample periods dates considered. The proportion achieved identical calculated percentage litter, overall.