Individual photographic identification based on unique colour pattern of the thorax of Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Natural marks have increasingly been used as a tool for individual identification in capture-mark-recapture techniques. Photo-identification is a non-invasive alternative to traditional marking techniques, allowing individual recognition of species through time and space. We tested the APHIS (Automatic Photo Identification) software as a software capable of identifying individuals of Testudo hermanni (Gmelin, 1789) and Emys orbicularis (Linneaus, 1758) in different populations during capture-release sessions in the field based on plastron color patterns, since they can be used as natural marks for identification. For this individual identification, SPM (Spot Pattern Matching) and ITM (Image Template Matching) procedures were tested; achieving 100 % success of individuals recognized in both procedures and visually verified comparing the images. However, ITM procedure was more efficient at recognizing recaptures than SPM because ITM allowed faster recaptures verification, since most of the matches were directly placed on the first position on the candidates list. Previous studies have used photo-identification on freshwater or sea turtles, but never with terrestrial tortoise species. Consequently, it can be corroborated that APHIS is a competent and efficient software considering photo-identification of T. hermanni and E. orbicularis and can be applied with close species with similar and unique individual color patterns in their plastron.

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The individual color pattern on the back of Bufotes viridis balearicus (Boettger, 1880) allows individual photo-identification recognition for population studies

Lassnig,

Guasch-Martínez,

Pinya

2024

Can. J. Zool.

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This study explores the potential of Photo-Identification Methods (PIM) as a viable, noninvasive, and ethical tool for wildlife studies, with a specific focus on anuran species such as Bufotes viridis balearicus (Boettger, 1880). Although the Automatic Photo Identification Suit (APHIS) software was initially designed for lizard identification, our research shows its adaptability for anuran species, achieving a high detection accuracy rate of 95.28%. Thus, obtaining outstanding and higher values comparing to previous studies on this species. Crucially, our findings indicate that the success of PIM and the efficacy of image identification software like APHIS is dependent on the quality and standardization of the images collected. The study also underscores the importance of practical experience and continuous learning for the optimal utilization of software like APHIS. Despite occasional False Rejected Matches (FRM), the overall strong performance metrics with low False Rejection Rate (FRR) demonstrate that these instances do not significantly impact the reliability of the technique. Thus, this research highlights the importance of careful implementation, continuous learning, and image quality control in leveraging the full potential of image identification software in wildlife studies.

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Individual photographic identification based on unique colour pattern of the thorax of Acherontia atropos (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae)

Cited by 3 publications

References 31 publications

Using photographic mark-recapture to estimate population size, movement, and lifespan of a reintroduced butterfly

Using photographic mark-recapture to estimate population size, movement, and lifespan of a reintroduced butterfly

Plastron color patterns allow for individual photo-identification in two different chelonian species

The individual color pattern on the back of Bufotes viridis balearicus (Boettger, 1880) allows individual photo-identification recognition for population studies

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