Tagging Methods and Tag Loss

Abstract

With new developments in technology such as with cameras and radio telemetry, we describe a wide variety of tags and markers used for uniquely identifying animals. Examples are various types of attached tags, natural markers on animals (e.g., tiger stripes, tail fins), radio tags, PIT tags that use an integrated circuit chip, water acoustic tags, genetic markers, next-of-kin information, and trace methods without captures using cameras. We consider in detail models for estimating tag loss using different kinds of tag combinations in both a discrete and instantaneous modeling framework.