8 



ventrals (from anterior end) of Natrix natrix . These patterns were 

 sufficient, in conjunction with other scuttelation data to 

 reidentify individuals. Snakes with distinctive skin patterns like 

 Coronella and Vipera were treated in the same manner by recording 

 their dorsal patterns. The use of this technique was considered 

 feasible for Pelamis by Kropach (1973) . Fitch (1987) suggests a 

 methodology for recognition of individual Aqkistrodon contortrix 

 based on the arrangement of complete and incomplete "hourglass" 

 marks on the body. 



Scale formulae (17) . 



Blanchard and Finster (1933) mentioned an unsuccessfull 

 attempt to recognize individuals with scuttelation data. However, 

 Fukada (1978) described recording the arrangement of temporal 

 scales in Elaphe climacophora as an adjunct to scale-clipping. 



Both of these pattern-recognition techniques are labor 

 intensive in recording and recognizing specific patterns and 

 furthermore prone to reading errors. As Fitch (1987) suggests, 

 natural marks should be noted and used to confirm the 

 identification of individuals based on other marks or tags. 



Incisions 



Tail-notching (18) . 



In Kropach's unpublished dissertation (1973), he described a 

 tail notching protocol for seasnakes. He (Kropach, 1975) later 

 elaborated on this technique. 



Radiotelemetry 



Fitch (1987) recommends two fundamental criteria that should 

 be met for the use of radiotransmitters. The transmitters should 

 be small enough not to burden the snake during its normal 

 activities such as feeding and locomotion, yet large enough to have 

 a sufficient transmission range for easy localization. 



Oral insertion (force fed) (19) . 



McGinnis and Moore (1969) pioneered the use of radiotelemetry 

 in snake studies, adapting the technique used for lizards by 

 McGinnis (1967) . They force-fed a Boa constrictor with a miniature 

 temperature sensitive transmitter with a range of 100 meters. 

 Various types of radio transmitters, antennae and battery sources 

 have been used subsequently in snake studies. Transmitters are 

 coated with paraffin/beeswax mixture or silicone, and are either 

 palpated into the animal's stomach or sewn into a food item and 



