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

Picture 29: Starred tortoise paint marked at PNHZ Park
7.6 TOE CLIPPING
The same method as used for the amphibians may be applied for the reptiles
(lizards) (refer page no.27 – 29).
The amputation causes the lizards little inconvenience. The longest (fourth) toe of the
hind limb is never amputated, and at least two other digits on each foot are always left
intact. It is a procedure which if performed with care, can usefully be applied in a zoo
reptile collection, perhaps in conjunction with a record of individual color patterns
and other distinguishing features. Veterinary attention is most important to avoid
unnecessary pain and infection.
7.7 PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDS
For species with conspicuous and individually distinctive skin patterning, a
photographic record is probably the simplest and least expensive method of
permanent identification. Photographing the ventral side of smaller crocodiles, known
also as „belly printing‟ has been used, for example, to identify Alligator
mississiippiensis under semi- captive conditions in Florida. It is an attractive
procedure in that the basis od identification, the belly skin, cannot be changed by man
and as long as the hides remain intact, the animals are identifiable (Street 1970;
Harrison 1972). If enlarged to life size, the pictures may be compared visually without
recourse to any code or formula, a factor which makes it an ideal system for zoo
purposes.
With larger snakes and lizards, where handling can often be a problem
photographic records if done properly will give satisfactory identification of
individual animal. The genus Heloderma and certain of the gekkonid and varanid
lizards, all of which have individually unique markings, lend themselves particularly
to this kind of record. In some boids individual patterns on the head or on the tail have
been used to identify a specimen over its entire lifespan. For e.g. identification of Boa
constrictor is based on the tail markings. Photo records can be used in combination
with other markers for better results.
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