Identifying negative sentiment polarity in the Judas technique

Abstract

In the context of conservation science and management, the Judas technique refers to outfitting an animal (a Judas animal) with a radio transmitter or other identifier so that its movements can be tracked to locate conspecifics. Although this term is commonly used, some consider it offensive due to historical associations of the word Judas with anti-Semitic sentiments. Thus, the term has a negative sentiment polarity (i.e., the assertion that words can have positive, negative, or neutral connotations). We investigated the etymology of the Judas term in peer-reviewed scientific literature to outline its contextual introduction and use. Prior to the term being co-opted by conservation scientists Judas [animal] was a common term in the livestock industry to describe animals used to lead herds to slaughter. Subsequently, the term has been published and promulgated through conservationrelated research and the literature. Due to a negative sentiment polarity linked to this term, especially among members of the public, alternative nomenclature may be preferred to increase objective and dispassionate scientific communication.

Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools

“…Likewise, there is variation in detectability depending on capture methods. For example, whereas surveys that use radiotagged snakes to locate untagged snakes (e.g., scout snakes; Fitzgerald et al 2021) can yield higher numbers of large, reproductive females (Krysko et al 2012;Smith et al 2016;Bartoszek et al 2021b), road-cruising captures can produce many juvenile pythons, particularly June through September when hatchlings disperse, as well as small adult pythons (Smith et al 2016;Falk et al 2016; see Size Distribution section).…”

“…The scout technique uses radiotelemetry to capitalize on social behaviors of animals (e.g., seasonal aggregation) to improve detection and to reduce nuisance or invasive populations (Taylor and Katahira 1988;Bajer et al 2011). The scout methodology has been applied to a variety of taxa and although initially described as the Judas tech-nique, recognition of cultural associations between duplicity and that term has resulted in alternative nomenclature (e.g., scout) as a more neutral description of the method (reviewed in Fitzgerald et al 2021). Although pythons are not typically social, from December to March in Florida they may form breeding aggregations that have been observed to include up to eight pythons (Smith et al 2016;Bartoszek et al 2018a; see Reproduction section).…”

Size distribution and reproductive phenology of the invasive Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA

“…Our findings regarding python size distribution and reproductive phenology provide standardized equations for direct cross-study comparisons that can inform population models and help managers target pythons for removal with a greater return on investment. For example, we have determined the size threshold for adult males, which provides managers operating scout snake programs (i.e., Fitzgerald et al 2021) a reliable metric to easily assess adult males as future scout snakes. Additionally, our data indicate that male Burmese pythons are primarily seeking mates for 100 days from December through March, so that will likely be the most effective window of time for managers to physically visit their scout snakes and survey for associate snakes.…”