Using fuorescent paint as an effective short-term marker in a high-density rookery of Green Turtles, Chelonia mydas (Linnaeus, 1758), on Poilão Island, Guinea-Bissau

Madeira, Fernando Miguel; Sampaio e rebelo, Rui; Barbosa, Castro; Regalla, Aissa; Patrício, Ana Rita

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/96083

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Authors

Madeira, Fernando Miguel

Sampaio e rebelo, Rui

Barbosa, Castro

Regalla, Aissa

Patrício, Ana Rita

Abstract(s)

We report on a short-term marking protocol that uses weather-resistant high-contrast fuorescent dyes and nondisruptive ultraviolet lights to effectively mark and distinguish between individual green turtles (Chelonia mydas). We feldtested our method in the largest green turtle nesting location in Africa, on Poilão Island i Guinea-Bissau, where it proved to be quick to apply and easy to detect, and non-disruptive for the turtles. We effectively marked 2719 individuals, with some marks lasting up to 13 days. We propose that this protocol can be adapted for other animal groups and in other environmental settings.