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

Wisner (pers. com.) has used different colored T- bar tags to identify animals
within his collection. Instead of using commercial fish marking tags, Wisner used
clothing price tags and an applicator gun. The flat end of each tag was colored with a
plastic coating (Plasti Dip, PDI Inc., Circle Pines, USA). When the T of the t-bar tag
was injected posterior to the first dorsal fin, the colored, trailing end was easily
observed. These tags lasted for several years with no reported problems.
For instances where temporary identification is necessary (e.g., sharks kept in holding
tanks, etc.) a colored loop may be placed loosely around the caudal peduncle (i.e., a
tail-loop tag). The tag may consist of ribbon, rope, string, or plastic cable-ties of
various colors (Correia, pers. com.; Firchau, pers.com.; Perego, pers. com.). The tailloop
tag is tied around the animal in such a way as to be loose, but not dangling from
the shark. Tail-loop tags provide a readily observable mark and in the short term do
not injure the animal. Tail-loop tags should only be used for temporary identification
(i.e., not more than two weeks) as constant rubbing of the material against the skin
can lead to integument damage and possible infection.
DISCUSSION
Fin clipping and branding (heat, freeze, and chemical) are not recommended
for fishes due to their invasive and temporary nature and the necessity to restrain
animals for longer period may cause undue stress to some animals. Using natural
markings to identify individuals is the least intrusive technique and is preferred,
providing that observations can be made reliably, and that unique features are long
lived. PIT tags are reliable and accurate, with no chance of misidentification, and are
usually relied on for accurate record keeping. Because PIT tags are not easily read
without special equipment, and potentially restraining animals, they are usually used
as a backup identification system to a more simplistic identification technique applied
on a day to day basis. So far, Visual Implant Elastomer and Visual Implant Alpha tags
seems to be the most promising technique for individual/ group identification of
fishes.
9. CONCLUSION
Marking animals for identification and Keeping Records should be an integral
part of an Institution. As the Indian Zoos do not hold any position for a Record
Keeper, the zoo Biologist should fulfill all the responsibilities of a Record Keeper as
well as that of marking animals for identification. The objectives of a modern zoo can
only be achieved if the records are accurate, standardized and easy to retrieve.
To maintain accurate records in zoos, different datasheets are recommended
(given in Appendices). The data will be generated at the keeper‟s level and it is very
important to see that the data generated at the ground level is accurate with minimum
observational error. The datasheets recommended is consistent with the ARKS
software and these records if maintained properly will greatly enhance the
incorporation of data into ARKS software and later on into SPARKS and
MEDARKS.
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