In order to document and monitor various reptile species, we employ a diversity of surveying techniques such as road cruising, field surveys, coverboards, and opportunistic captures. When a reptile is captured it is measured, weighed, sexed, and marked. Data collected is used to monitor the status of reptile populations as well as overall ecosystem health.


Snakes are marked using hot branding with a small portable cautery device. Branding is a permanent and safe form of marking that facilitates identification of the individual on subsequent encounters. Priority species are given a PIT (Passive Integrated Transponder) tag just under the skin in the lower third of the body.

American alligators are marked with a notch code by removing one or more scutes from the tail. If the animal is large enough, it is also fitted with a capture-site-specific color coded and numbered Allflex tag.

Softshell turtles are marked either with an Inconel 681 flipper tag on the posterior end of the carapace or tattooed with an ink number on the underside of the carapace using a portable tattoo gun.

Freshwater turtles, box turtles, and terrapins are marked using notch codes on the marginal scutes either using a file or drill bit.

Glass lizards are marked using hot branding with a small portable cautery device.