Keywords :
Behavior; Behaviour; PIT-tag; video-tracking; marking; amphibian; feeding; courtship; method; validation; evaluation; assesment; Mesotriton alpestris; Triturus alpestris; Ichthyosaura alpestris; marquage; triton alpestre; amphibien; transpondeur; RFID; test; Bergmolche; Behavioural marker; Behavioral marker; Passive integrated transponder; CMR; Amphibia
Abstract :
[en] Biomarkers are now widely used as tools in various research fields to assess individual integrity. The recent advances in quantification methods of behavioral patterns, such as computerized video-tracking procedures, make them valuable biomarkers. However, the corollary of these novelties is that they remain relatively unknown and unused. In this study, we show that such tools can assess the validity of research methods, such as individual recognition. To demonstrate this we employed as a model a marking method (Passive Integrate Transponders: PIT-tagging) widely used in amphibians. Both detailed visual observations and video-tracking methods were complementary in highlighting components at different behavioral scales: locomotion, feeding, and breeding. We illustrate the scientific and ethical adequacy of the targeted marking method but also suggest that more studies should integrate behavioral analyses. Such biomarkers are a powerful tool to assess conservation concerns when other techniques cannot detect detrimental effects.
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