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Validity of photo-identification technique to analyze natural markings inMelanophryniscus montevidensis (Anura: Bufonidae). Individual identification is useful for answering a variety of biological questions about animal life histories. Most of the techniques used to mark amphibians are invasive and can cause negative effects, compromising individual survivorship and biasing studies. Photo-identification consists in the identification of specimens based on photographic records of unique color-design patterns. This technique has been used with success in several amphibian species. Melanophryniscus montevidensis is an endangered anuran species inhabiting the Uruguayan Atlantic coast. The general pattern of coloration is black with red and yellow blotches on the belly. In this study, we validated the technique of photo-identification assisted by software for individual recognition in M. montevidensis using natural markings. Field trips were performed over 16 months during which, the ventral color pattern of specimens was photographed. The photos were edited and analyzed with the Wild-ID 1.0 software for photographic reconnaissance. An efficiency of 100% was obtained in the visual recognition and 90% in the detection of recaptures using the software. The use of photo-identification using natural marks is an effective technique in this species, because the color pattern of the belly was highly variable among individuals and remained unchanged in individuals over the 16 month period. In this evaluation the use of software for photo-identification was necessary for the treatment of large databases.Keywords: amphibians, individual identification, non-invasive technique, Uruguay. 60Phyllomedusa -13(1), August 2014 ResumenValidez de la técnica de fotoidentificación con marcas naturales en Melanophryniscus montevidensis (Anura: Bufonidae). La identificación individual de animales es muy útil para responder diversas preguntas biológicas relacionadas con su historia de vida. La mayoría de las técnicas utilizadas para marcar anfibios son invasivas y pueden causar efectos negativos sobre los individuos, comprometiendo su sobrevivencia y los resultados de las investigaciones. La fotoidentificación consiste en identificar especímenes en base a registros fotográficos, usando patrones de diseño-coloración únicos para cada animal. Esta técnica ha mostrado resultados exitosos en varias especies de anfibios. Melanophryniscus montevidensis es un anuro presente en la costa atlántica uruguaya cuya conservación se encuentra comprometida. El patrón general de coloración es negro con manchas rojas y amarillas en el vientre. En este estudio se valida la técnica de fotoidentificación asistida por software para el reconocimiento individual en M. montevidensis, utilizando marcas naturales. Se realizaron salidas durante 16 meses en las que se registró fotográficamente el patrón ventral de coloración de los ejemplares. Las fotografías fueron editadas y se utilizó el software de reconocimiento fotográfico Wild-ID 1.0. Se obtuvo una efica...

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This study describes the reproductive microhabitat of Melanophryniscus montevidensis and its use in two water bodies (WBs) in Barra de la Laguna de Rocha, Uruguay. Monthly field trips were performed between March 2012 and February 2013. Variables related to the WBs and vegetation, as well as parameters linked to the usage the amphibians make of the site (e.g: distance to the border of the pond, water depth and the vegetation use) were recorded. The behavior shown by the individuals during the breeding activity was recorded. This activity occurs in shallow temporary WBs with abundant hydrophilic vegetation. The individuals were found more frequently in areas near the edge of the pond, which has denser vegetation. The calling males were found closer to the border of the pond, and they showed better body condition than the non-calling males. In addition to calling activities, males used alternative tactics to find couples, such as active search of females, and aggressive behaviors, such as male displacing and physical combat. Such behaviors are common in anurans with explosive reproductive dynamics. The characterization of the reproductive microhabitats permits the proposal of strategies for the conservation of the species in Uruguay, given that the loss and fragmentation of habitats is one of the main causes considered for the decrease in their populations.

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