A Unified Approach to Analysis of Body Condition in Green Toads

• DOI: 10.3390/d15010043
• Publication Date: 2022-12-30T08:19:46Z
• Authors: Lukas Landler; Stephan Burgstaller; Magdalena Spießbe...; Andras Horvath; Zhivko Zhelev; Ivelin Mollov; Ulrich Sinsch; Johannes Nepita; Florian Schwabel; Wolfgang Kuhn; Christian Köbele; Heinz Sedlmeier; Cornelia Amon; Joanna Mazgajska; Tomasz D. Mazgajski; Amir Sistani; Rieke Schluckebier; Eberhard Andrä; Moritz Ott; Günter Gollmann
• Keywords: Allometry; Proxy (statistics); Coefficient of variation

Body condition is increasingly used to assess the status of populations and as a proxy for individual fitness. A common, quick non-invasive approach estimate from relation between body length mass. Among methods developed this purpose, Scaled Mass Index (SMI) appears best suited comparisons among populations. We assembled data 17 European green toads (Bufotes viridis) with aim devising standard formula applicable monitoring species. The mean value exponents describing length–mass allometry in these samples was 3.0047. Hence, we propose using 3 scaling coefficient calculating SMI toads. From contrast values both sexes within populations, estimated either population-specific or coefficient, conclude that applying not only facilitates but may also help avoid misinterpretation variation