No abstract

A method of marking wildlife for markÁrecapture studies should be long lasting, dependable and discreet. The use of radio frequency identification in studies of hard-shelled gastropods is a promising technique for recognition of individuals. Passive integrated transponders (PIT tags) can be attached to snails with easy-to-use adhesives (glues). However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the use of adhesives may attract predatory rats to tagged snails. In this study, we presented ship rats with empty Powelliphanta traversi tararuaensis land snails with PIT tags attached using three different adhesives. We measured the number and duration of any behavioural interactions associated with foraging directed towards different adhesives. We found that rats interacted more with shells that had Loctite † adhesive, and recommend that this glue should be used with caution in a field setting, as it may predispose marked snails to depredation by rats. Selleys Liquid Nails † appears to be the best adhesive choice for field-based studies.