Reference

Hutchens, S. J., C. S. Deperno, C. E. Matthews, K. H. Pollock, and D. K. Woodward. 2008. Visible implant fluorescent elastomer: A reliable marking alternative for snakes. Herpetological Review 39(3):301-303.

Abstract

Summary, quoted and paraphrased from the original paper by NMT:

Our objective was to determine if VIE was an appropriate marking technique for snake research.

We marked red cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus; N = 18). Each snake received three doses (1, 2, and 3 μl) of yellow VIE randomized to the general area of three locations (neck, midbody, and pre-caudal).

Results:
  • After 370 days, 94, 83, and 100% of low (mean = 354 days), medium (mean = 333 days), and high (mean = 370 days) mark volumes were retained.
  •  No significant differences in retention time between mark volumes was found.
  •  Shedding frequency (mean = 5.05 ± 1.21 sheds/snake) did not have a significant effect on mark retention time.
  •  No significant differences in mark retention among mark locations were detected but a 13% lower mean retention time for marks located precaudally (mean = 321 days) compared to neck (mean = 366 days) and midbody (mean = 370 days) mark locations was observed.

 Conclusion: Our results indicated that VIE was a reliable marking technique for snakes, with 94, 83, and 100% retention for low, medium, and high volumes after 370 days and no mortalities recorded. Elastomer marks were easy to identify and record due to fluorescent colors.

Tag

Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE)

Objective

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