Literaturdatenbank
Literaturdatenbank |
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Walter, O., Quest, R., Bradfield, T., & Thornton, S. M. (2012). A study to identify the suitability of nonatec™ mini-microchips and alpha•dots™ as methods of uniquely marking juvenile testudinid species (tortoises). JNCC report, 459.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich (18 Nov 2012 17:47:11 UTC) |
| Resource type: Journal Article BibTeX citation key: Walter2012 View all bibliographic details  |
Categories: General Keywords: Schildkröten = turtles + tortoises, Untersuchungsmethoden = examination method, Veterinärmedizin = veterinary medicine Creators: Bradfield, Quest, Thornton, Walter Collection: JNCC report |
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| Abstract |
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This report presents the findings of a study to determine the suitability of NonatecTM microchip transponders as a permanent marker for juvenile tortoises, and AlphaDotsTM for use as temporary markers until they attain a plastron length of 100mm1. Both marking methods were selected after an initial scoping exercise of all known available methods of marking animals and were tested for ease of application, readability and durability. In addition, the microchips were tested to ensure they didn’t compromise the welfare of the tortoises, either physically or behaviourally. European regulations require that live specimens of species listed on Annex A of the European Wildlife Trade Regulations (including 12 Testudinidae spp.), being used for commercial purposes, are permanently and uniquely marked. Whilst there is general agreement throughout the European Union (EU) that juvenile tortoises cannot be safely fitted with a standard microchip (such as the Trovan ID162 or AVID MUSICC chip); alternative marking requirements and conditions have not been applied uniformly, with the majority of juvenile tortoises being traded without any form of permanent marking. Failure to find an acceptable marking method makes regulation of the trade difficult and has led to high levels of non-compliance. This study concluded that the NonatecTM microchip transponders were suitable for uniquely and permanently marking juvenile tortoises; whilst the AlphaDotsTM were not sufficiently robust to recommend them as a unique semi-permanent marker. The NonatecTM microchips were found to have no effect on the physiology or behaviour of the tortoises, irrespective of their size or species, and were found to be as reliable as a standard microchip transponder. However, NonatecTM microchips do not comply with ISO standards 11784 and 11785, currently a requirement of Regulation (EC) No.865/2006; potentially meaning that tortoises would need to be microchipped again with an ISO compliant chip once they attained a size considered safe for insertion, or requiring a change to the Regulation.
Added by: Sarina Wunderlich |