[ECOLOG-L] Marking recently-metamorphed anurans

[Lindsey Swierk]

Hi ecologists, 

I’m preparing to mark recently-metamorphed wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) for a
laboratory study.  I’d prefer to toe-clip the metamorphs, due to my
experience with the technique, in addition to its speed and
cost-effectiveness.  

I was wondering if anyone has ever had an issue with toe regeneration in
recently-metamorphed anurans.  I know that lack of digit regeneration makes
toe-clipping a marking technique of choice in adult anurans, but I know
little about digit regeneration in very young frogs (they’re < 1 month
post-metamorphosis).  I want to be very sure before I use this marking
technique, as regeneration (and loss of individual id) will be disastrous.  

Can anyone offer any insight into the permanency of toe-clipping for
recently-metamorphed frogs?  

Thanks! 

-Lindsey Swierk (lindse...@psu.edu)