Marking and tissue sampling effects on body condition and survival in the newt Triturus cristatus

We investigated possible negative effects of tail-tip marking and tissue sa mpling on recapture rates, body condition, and size in a population of indi vidually recognized crested newts (Triturus cristatus). Recapture rates of tail-clipped newts, which were also toe-clipped, did not differ from those of control, toe-clipped newts. Clipped tails had regrown within ca. 8 month s of terrestrial life. Body condition, as indicated by mass/SVL index, fluc tuated significantly over sampling periods and was higher for males than fo r females. Newts caught the first time, possibly representing first-time br eeders, were in better condition than repeat captures. Analysis of data fro m repeatedly caught individuals did not reveal consistent significant effec ts of tail clipping on body condition. Contrary to our expectations, tail c lipped newts of both sexes tended to be larger than non-clipped controls. D ue to the faster regrowth of tail-tips in newts, we would recommend tail-ti p clipping when individuals are to be tissue sampled and toe-clipping for m arking in population studies. Both methods might, however, handicap the bre eding behavior of male newts to an unknown degree.