Success of intracoelomic radiotransmitter implantation in the treefrog (Hyla versicolor)

Concern about the effects of habitat modification on the natural movements and behavior of amphibians has led researchers to devise several methods to follow individual animals as they migrate among seasonal resources; one such method is the surgical insertion of radiotransmitters. Intracoelomic implantation has come into general use despite the relative lack of specific procedural guidelines and information about the effects of transmitter insertion and removal. The author outlines the surgical implantation procedures used on a small amphibian (gray treefrog) and provides insight into the effects of multiple major surgical invasions on the long-term survival of amphibians. Multiple survival surgeries were successful in this study and may be an alternative to euthanasia in some instances.