Environmental Impacts of Powdertracking Using Fluorescent Pigments

Tests revealed long-term persistence of pigments and the potential for environmental contamination. Primary persistence of pigments falling from animals lasted through the melting of 3-m-deep snowpacks, summer rains, and winds for at least 2 years. Secondary persistence included transfer of pigments to non-test animals, and concentration and incorporation into scat and woodrat middens. Feces persist in middens extending potential contamination up to 40,000 years. Since the potential for long-term, environmental contamination exists, researchers should carefully consider initial application techniques, clean up methods, and residual visual and ultraviolet visual contamination.