Computer‐aided photo‐identification of a rare stingray, Megatrygon microps

Keeping, J.A. , Reeve‐Arnold, K.E., Burns, N.M. , Catarina, N., Bailey, D.M. and McNeill, D.C. (2020) Computer‐aided photo‐identification of a rare stingray, Megatrygon microps. Journal of Fish Biology, 96(3), pp. 815-819. (doi: 10.1111/jfb.14242) (PMID:31856322)

Abstract

We have defined protocol for photo‐identification to identify individual Megatrygon microps. 104 identification photographs were taken between 2005 and 2019. Spot patterns on the dorsal surface were used to identify individuals. Unique scarring on 8 re‐observed M. microps provided an independent confirmation of pattern stability of up to 761 days. Previously, studies have lacked statistical testing to validate photo‐identification approach. The I3S photo‐matching software was proven to successfully match images, identifying 69 individuals. A photo‐matching software facilitates an open‐source platform for identifying individual M. microps, allowing for better population assessments.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McNeill, Dr Deborah and Bailey, Dr David and Burns, Dr Neil and Keeping, Jennifer
• Authors: Keeping, J.A., Reeve‐Arnold, K.E., Burns, N.M., Catarina, N., Bailey, D.M., and McNeill, D.C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Journal of Fish Biology
• Publisher: Wiley
• ISSN: 0022-1112
• ISSN (Online): 1095-8649
• Published Online: 19 December 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles
• First Published: First published in Journal of Fish Biology 96(3): 815-819
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy