Transponders as Permanent Identification Markers for Domestic Ferrets, Black-Footed Ferrets, and Other Wildlife

摘要: A 0.05-g transponder implanted subcutaneously was tested to see if it provided a reliable identification method. In laboratory tests 20 domestic ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) received transponders and were monitored for minimum of 6 months. None showed signs inflammation, necropsies conducted at the end study no scar tissue or migration. Seven 23 failed during test because leakage through plastic case, glass case is now being manufactured that does not have problem. During mark-recapture studies in September October 1985, black-footed (M. nigripes), 11 which subsequently recaptured 9 brought into captivity; none inflammation. Transponders provide new method identifying hard-to-mark wildlife with unique, permanent number can be read animal in-hand by remote equipment. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 51(2):294-297 Finding permanent, individually-identifiable markers small mammals has generally been difficult. Biologists used metal fingerling ear tags, tattoos, toeclipping individually mark animals. These methods often proven unsatisfactory; some individuals lose tags within few days weeks majority tattoos are or, recognizable as unique letter (Fagerstone et al., Pages 10.110.10 Proc. Black-footed Ferret Workshop, Univ. Wyoming, 1985). Toeclipping may cause infection loss limb function. more needed long-term population studies. This evaluated effectiveness marking devices wild ferrets. The polypropylene-encased microchip preprogrammed its manufacture 10-digit code. We thank S. E. Gaddis K. A. Crane their assistance care data collection Luedke conducting necropsies. P. L. Hegdal Oldemeyer critically reviewed manuscript. gratefully acknowledge personnel from following agencies organizations capture ferrets: U.S. Fish Wildl. Serv., BIOTA Res. Consulting, Wyo. Game Dep., Nat. Image Films. Williams T. Thorne kindly necropsy results under guidance Dep. Inter. Cent. transferred Anim. Plant Health Inspection Serv. (APHIS) on 3 March 1986. Reference trade names companies imply Gov. endorsement.