standardization of records keeping in indian zoos - Central Zoo ...

as the neck or under the wing can be selected instead. The area of the PIT tag
implantation should be properly recorded and mentioned in the animal history sheet.
As the PIT tags cannot provide instant recognition of the bird it should be used in
combination with other marking system.
Discussion
Uses of dyes and ultraviolet markers, nasal discs and saddles, web tags etc are
other methods for marking birds. These methods are unsuitable for use in zoos as dyes
and ultraviolet markers only provide temporary identification to the birds and as for
nasal discs and saddles various undesirable results have been reported, including high
rates of marker loss, often with injury to the nares (Sherwood 1966), higher mortality
rates attributed to entanglement with submerged vegetation (Sugden and Poston 1968)
and reduced success in obtaining mates (Koob 1981).Visual identification of a web
tagged waterfowl is impossible. A PIT tag in combination with other markers suitable
for the specific species by far seems to be the best method for marking birds/
pheasants for identification.
6. MARKING OF AMPHIBIANS FOR IDENTIFICATION
NEW TECHNIQUES
6.1 VISIBLE IMPLANT FLOURESCENT ELASTOMER (VIE)
Amphibians are difficult to mark or individually identify. Their small size,
sensitive and slippery skin, subtlety of their markings and the ability of the caudates
and anurans to regenerate all contribute to these difficulties.
A. VIE tagging system is bio- compatible and consists of two elastomer materials
(color elastomer and curing agent) which are mixed at a 1:10 ratio. After mixing, the
liquid elastomer material can be placed into a 0.3cc syringes and kept in a freezer to
slow hardening, which occurs within 24 hours at room temperature. The 0.3cc
syringes are used to inject the elastomer pigment into the animals.
B. A total of six fluorescent colors (red, green, orange yellow, blue and pink) that
fluoresce with the VI Light and four color that do not fluoresce (white, purple, brown
and black) are available. Detection of fluorescent tags is greatly enhanced by using VI
Light. Furthermore, colors green and yellow are difficult to distinguish in UV light
thus either green or yellow should be used for each plot.
In order to mark animals uniquely, fluorescent colors have to be combined with
different tag locations (behind the front legs or in front of the hind legs or, if possible,
in the legs itself). An injection into the legs shows up extremely well. Before and after
injection, the syringe should be cleaned with an alcohol wipe to reduce the likelihood
of infections. After marking tags should be checked for visibility using a hand held
UV light and remarked if necessary. No anesthesia is needed.
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