MARKING ANIMALS FOR IDENTIFICATION 454

A note on bird banding at Amsterdam Zoo D. D E K K E R Biologist, Natura Artis Magistra, Amsterdam, Netherlands

The only successful method for marking animals used at Amsterdam Zoo at present is the banding or ringing of birds. All birds in the collection, except for the penguins and parrots, are identified by aluminium leg rings. They are specially manu- factured for the zoo and are stamped with the name ‘Artis’, a serial number and a letter. The letters (A to M) correspond to the different diameters of the rings which vary between 4 and 24 mm. Parrots are not ringed since they can easily remove the rings with their strong beaks; while penguins are not ringed because of the shortness of their tarsus. Waders are often ringed above the heel joint.

The numbers of the rings are listed in a register which is kept for each species.

As a result of marking our birds in this way, we are able to record the longevities of birds hatched in the zoo, we can separate with certainty each year the most successful breeding pairs, and we can avoid mistakes when selecting pairs of birds for sale.

During the 10 to ~ z y e a r s that the marking programme has existed, we have never received any comments from visitors to the zoo.

A note on bird banding at Basle Zoo H A N S W A C K E R N A G E L ScientiJc Assistant, Zoologischer Garten, Basle, Switzerland

In 1944 and 1945 bird banding (ringing) was introduced at Bade Zoo, Since then all birds in the collection have been banded. The only exceptions are the parrots, which can damage or remove the rings with their bills, and the pelicans, whose legs are too thick for the rings commonly used. We use the same aluminium rings as the bird-banding stations. We have nine different sizes, and all bear the inscription ZOO BASEL and a number.

We have had practically no accidents caused by the rings, since over the years we have gained much experience, particularly as to sizes. There have been a few isolated incidents: for example, one bird was found dead, hanging by its ring in a bush; small grains of sand can get between the ring and the leg in small shore-birds; in starlings

and whydahs the rings can become too tight because of lack of wear of the leg scales; male peacocks have to be ringed above the spur as the ring can interfere with the growth of the spur. Damage can easily be avoided by routine inspec- tions.

In order to carry out special studies on our flamingos, we ringed all the birds individually with coloured rings, as used for domestic poultry. If necessary the regular rings can be read with binoculars.

Every banded bird is registered individually, and we find it very useful to know its age and history. These particulars are given to the pathologist at death.

We have received no comments from the public.