Can post-capture photographic identification as a wildlife marking technique be undermined by observer error? A case study using King Cobras in northeast Thailand.

ABSTRACT: Identifying individuals with natural markings is increasing in popularity to non-invasively support population studies. However, applying natural variation among individuals requires careful evaluation among target species, snakes for example have little validation of such methods. Here we introduce a mark-free identification method for King Cobras (Ophiophagus hannah) from the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve, in northeast Thailand using both subcaudal scale pholidosis (scale arrangement and number) and unique ventral body markings to distinguish individuals. This project aims to evaluate the impact of observer error on individual identification. Observers of varying expertise, will distinguish between King Cobra individuals using identifying photographs from a previous study. We will ask rando

SUBMITTER: Jones MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7725303 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature