Generally speaking some form of unique animal-identification will be required for most animals species held in a captive, or field research environment. Zoological Parks, wildlife agencies, researchers and handlers all use various methods to identify animals under their care. Animal-identification is important for a variety of reasons such as:
• Where large groups of animals are held together
• Where there are concerns with theft (for endangered or threatened species)
• Accurate Medical & Husbandry records are needed
• Tracking is required for field research, migratory records or population analysis
The use of Permanent identification methods that are standardized within the organization, or are internationally recognized, will help to ensure that all health, animal husbandry, migratory & reproductive records can be properly maintained and their accuracy guaranteed.
However the responsibility of maintaining detailed, consistent & diligent records is in the hands of the recorder whether they be a keeper, veterinarian, nurse, zoologist, biologist or wildlife carer. Relaying, and confirming, information between the handler & the recorder is also vital to ensuring that accurate records can be maintained.
Most captive animals will have some form of identification. Photographs taken of distinct marking or patterns can be useful, but can also be misinterpreted easily. The use of non-tamper methods such as transponders can be a better option. Where funding is limited there are various other options that can be employed.
There are advantages and disadvantages to most methods of identification. In some cases, it may be worth investing in two or more methods of animal-identification.
The questions worth considering may include:
• Does the identification need to be permanent, semi permanent, or temporary?
• Can the handler get close enough to the animal safely to read or view the identification?
• Do you need to be able to visually see the identification method used from a distance?
• Will the animal tamper with, or remove, the identification system used and is there a possibility of the animal injuring itself?
• How economical is this method of identification?
• Will the animals breeding condition be adversely effected?
• Could the identification number, or letter, used be read incorrectly?
An example of dual identification methods, for an avian species, may be the use of a visual identification, such as coloured leg band plus a permanent method such as a microchip.
Some common identification methods currently in use include:
• Tagging (Neck, Ear, Wing, Flipper)
• Banding - Plastic & Metal (Wing, Leg, Quill, Flipper)
• Transponders / Micro chipping (Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Lymphatic or Coelomic Cavity
• Notching (Ear, Shell)
• Tattooing (Inner Lip, Nose, Chest, Inner Thigh, Ear)
• Dye marking (Skin, Shell, Fur)
• Clipping (Fur, Feathers, Toe)
• Branding (Skin, Shell)
Animal-identification - Microchips and Scanners
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