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

Fig.2: A symbolic coding scheme for toe- clipping salamanders and frogs
Each mark is of the form 0000 where each character place corresponds to a
particular foot. Numbers correspond to particular toes.
No more than one toe from each foot should be excised
The code is read from the left front foot to the left back foot, to the right front foot
and finally to the right back foot.
Toes are counted from proximal to distal, except that the most proximal toe on
each foot is not counted because it is too small to use.
Always a dorsal view is used because if the ventral side is turned upwards, the
animals will struggle.
Thus, 0320 represents toe number 3 on the left hind foot and number 2 on the
right forefoot. For identification purpose in zoos, only two and three toe marks
will be enough.
To avoid using the same code twice, a sheet containing all the codes should be
prepared, and codes checked off as they are used.
Additional numbers may be used to indicate unusual marks (e.g., 5= foot missing;
6 = leg missing; 7 = two or more toes missing; 8 = toes fused; 9 = see comments)
6.4 PIT Tags
Passive Integrated Transponders (PIT Tags) or microchips have been used to
mark amphibians and can be used as an ancillary method of identification.
Wright(2001b) notes that these tags have been used successfully on a variety of
species, including some newly metamorphosized newts with body mass greater than 2
grams. This method requires the animals to be recaptured for identification.
After disinfecting the site where the device will be implanted, using standard surgical
protocols, the devices are implanted subcutaneously or intraperitoneally. If possible,
tissue glue (Cyanomethacrylate) is then applied to close the incision. The use of tissue
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