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Photo-identification of individual weedy seadragons Phyllopteryx taeniolatus and its application in estimating population dynamics
Citation
Martin-Smith, KM, Photo-identification of individual weedy seadragons Phyllopteryx taeniolatus and its application in estimating population dynamics, Journal of Fish Biology, 78, (6) pp. 1757-1768. ISSN 0022-1112 (2011) [Refereed Article]
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Copyright Statement
The definitive published version is available online at: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/
DOI: doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2011.02966.x
Abstract
Forty-three individual adult weedy seadragons Phyllopteryx taeniolatus were identified from underwater images using patterns of spots and blotches on the lateral surface of the abdomen. These
patterns were unique and did not change over the 18 month course of the study and could therefore be used to identify individuals when estimating population variables using non-invasive
capture-mark-recapture and accumulation curve methods. Two similar neighbouring sites in southern Tasmania showed considerable differences in their estimated populations of P. taeniolatus.
Estimated annual survival was >80% at one site suggesting that P. taeniolatus may be considerably longer lived than other syngnathids with a maximum life span in excess of 10 years. Males
incubating embryos were observed from October to March and at least two clutches could be borne
during this period. This technique of photo-identification could provide a cheap and effective way to
monitor populations of this iconic species across its range, particularly in conjunction with optimized
pattern-recognition software.
Item Details
Item Type: | Refereed Article |
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Keywords: | abundance, mark–recapture, population, survival, syngnathid |
Research Division: | Biological Sciences |
Research Group: | Ecology |
Research Field: | Population ecology |
Objective Division: | Environmental Management |
Objective Group: | Marine systems and management |
Objective Field: | Marine biodiversity |
UTAS Author: | Martin-Smith, KM (Dr Keith Martin-Smith) |
ID Code: | 77177 |
Year Published: | 2011 |
Web of Science® Times Cited: | 30 |
Deposited By: | Zoology |
Deposited On: | 2012-03-20 |
Last Modified: | 2013-01-14 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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