Hi all
Wanted to ask for help on something I am working on. We started keeping and later breeding C. cataphractus 15 years ago.
I joined the C. cataphractus studbook ( E.S.F )and made it to co-manager of this species. Every year I photograph, weigh and measure each of my animals to collect data and find out which female has given birth and to determine the sex for sure. Thats where I found out that the throat markings of each individual is unique also asked other members of the studbook to check there animals on this and it stil works. This could be a great way to identify each animal by photograph (about the same way as is commenly done with turtles) since they are to small to chip.
Enquiery on this phenomenon (by students doing studies on cataphractus in S.A) taught me that within wild colonies there seem to be some similarities in throat markings. Interesting field work? Sadly not for me, living some distance from your country.
The species still under threat by illegal pet trade and habitat loss and can surely be in the future forbidden for anyone to keep, but if there was a means of identification and thus exclude species of foggy origin, the species could be saved for serious breeders.
Regretably C. cataphractus is so rarely found outside S.A that I have to little material to confirm my theory sooooooo.
If any one could supply me with good photographs of the throat region of individual animals I would be very happy.
The general idea is somthing like this http://www.sareptiles.co.za/gallery/thumbnails-248.html
Please note: I do NOT want any one to encourage any illegal activities since I do not know laws on photgraphing/handling wild animals in your country.
There also seem to be major differences in northern and southern populations. For example my animals are more darker of colour and more heavy armoured. There seem as most pictures I see the animals are more of a yellowish color. I would love to investigate this further but that is another topic I belive. Sorry for the amount of words I just dont want to bore you guys but I love these animals and discussing them.
greets Rene.