A new spool-and-line attachment method to track short movements in phyllomedusid frogs (Anura: Phyllomedusidae)

Monitoring the movements of amphibians has always been a challenge, especially as the effectiveness of the tracking mode depends not only on the environment and habit but also on the morphology of the individuals. These factors affect how tracking  devices  can  be  attached  to  individual  amphibians.  We  developed  and  validated  a  minimally  invasive  attachment methodology for the spool-and-line method using Phyllomedusa burmeisteri as a model. We tested our methodology in the laboratory and in the field and did not observe any hinderance to movement over a four-day period. We propose the use of this technique to study movement ecology and habitat use for other anuran amphibians with similar morphology and movement behaviour.