Animal identification using external marks or internal identifiers is a process done to identify and track specific animals. It is done for a variety of reasons including verification of ownership, biosecurity control, and tracking for research or agricultural purposes.
History
Individual identification of animals by means of body markings has been practiced for over 3,800 years, as stated in Code of Hammurabi. The first official identification systems are documented as far as the 18th century. In Uruguay for instance maintained at that time a register of hot brands.
Noninvasive methods
Wildlife photo-identification
Biometrics
Birds
Domesticated mammals
Sheep
Pigs
Horses
Cattle
- Anklets
- Branding (freeze)
- Branding (hot-iron)
- Collars (electronic and non-electronic)
- Earmarking
- Ear tags (non-electronic)
- Ear tags (electronic)
- Rumen bolus (electronic)
- Cowbell
- Photo-identification of noses
Dogs
Laboratory rodents
- Earmarking (notching or punching)
- Ear tags (nickel, copper or scannable 2D barcode tags)
- Microchip implants
- Hair dye
- Toe clipping
- Manual tattoos (tail, foot pad or ears)
- Automated tail tattoos
Wild mammals
Bats
- Photo-identification of wing membranes
Koalas
- Photo-identification of noses
Giraffes
Zebras
- Photo-identification of stripes
Marine mammals
- Transponders
- Adhesive tags
- Fin photographs
- Fluke photographs
Fish
Sharks
Amphibians
Invertebrates
- Adhesive tags
- Semi-permanent paint
- Photo-identification
National animal identification schemes
Footnotes
Gallery
References