Photographing captive animal footprints

 

Captive animal prints allow us to build an FIT algorithm for that species, ie. determine which footprint measurements allow us to identify individuals. In order to do this, you will need to locate an institution where a species of interest is being held, and ask for permission to take images. If you contact us before doing this we will be able to guide you through the process of obtaining the best quality images and working with the host organisation.

Please mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with information about your images and your internet access speed, so that we can help you find the best way to upload them to the WildTrack database.

1. Set up a trail along which the animals can walk, one at a time. You may need to bring some sand in to lay on the path to get a good substrate. This should be no more than 1cm thick, and slightly moist.

2. Once the first animal has walked along the trail, identify all the clear left hind prints on that trail, then organise the footprints for photography. If there are good clear prints from other

feet please take these too. Choose the first print and place a cm ruler as the scale on bottom and left hand axis, in relation to direction of travel. Make sure ruler does not obscure detail at all. See examples given below.

3. A photo ID slip giving details of each footprint must be included in the photograph, or attached as a voice tag. This should contain the date and name of photographer and any information about the animal ID if known. ‘Footprint number’ refers to the number allocated to the footprint for that day’s work. Call the first LH print in the trail 1a, the second 1b, the third 1c etc. Footprints from a second trail will be 2a, 2b etc. If only occasional footprints are seen give each a different number. Indicate which foot, if known, under ‘Foot ID’

4. Taking the digital photograph. Align yourself and camera lens directly overhead of the footprint, and fill the camera frame with the footprint, ruler and ID slip so that no space is wasted and the photo is filled with details of print. If possible, have a second person view you from the side to check that you are directly overhead, to avoid distortion of the image. Try to get the best possible light contrast – usually found early morning and later afternoon. Avoid casting shadow on the footprint. Repeat this process until you have 15 or more left hind images.