Non-invasive UV-A photo-identification for individual recognition in olms (genus Proteus)
- 1Società Adriatica di Speleologia
- 2Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Abstract
The cave salamander Proteus represents a flagship and keystone genus of the subterranean ecosystems of the Dinaric Karst. Currently classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, its long-term monitoring is essential for understanding subterranean ecosystem dynamics and for guiding evidence-based conservation strategies. Given its protected status and the strict permitting requirements for research and monitoring, the development of non-invasive protocols is of paramount importance. The present study aims to present a non-invasive, underwater-capable photographic tracking method for this highly vulnerable subterranean species that minimizes handling-related stress and potential impacts on animal welfare. Specifically, this work explores the application of UV photography as a novel tool for the detection and characterization of individual skin patterns, enabling the recognition of over 300 individual specimens based on unique and naturally occurring morphological features. By providing a reliable means of distinguishing individuals without the need for invasive or potentially stressful traditional marking techniques, such as physical tagging, UV-based imaging may represent a valuable alternative for the long-term monitoring of olm populations. This approach contributes to the development of scientifically grounded, welfare-centered monitoring protocols that effectively balance conservation requirements with the highest standards of animal care while improving the accuracy, repeatability, and ethical sustainability of individual-based ecological studies. Importantly, although recent evidence has revealed the presence of at least two distinct Proteus species within the study area, the present imaging-based approach remains effective for the individual identification of specimens across both species. This demonstrates that the method captures sufficient inter-individual variation to reliably distinguish individuals, irrespective of their species identity, highlighting its robustness and broad applicability in sympatric Proteus spp. populations.
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BibTeX
@article{restaino2026noninvasive,
title = {{Non-invasive UV-A photo-identification for individual recognition in olms (genus Proteus)}},
author = {Marco Restaino and Chiara Manfrin},
journal = {Herpetozoa},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e208806},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e208806},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Non-invasive UV-A photo-identification for individual recognition in olms (genus Proteus)
AU - Marco Restaino
AU - Chiara Manfrin
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/29
JO - Herpetozoa
DO - 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e208806
UR - https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e208806
AB - The cave salamander Proteus represents a flagship and keystone genus of the subterranean ecosystems of the Dinaric Karst. Currently classified as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, its long-term monitoring is essential for understanding subterranean ecosystem dynamics and for guiding evidence-based conservation strategies. Given its protected status and the strict permitting requirements for research and monitoring, the development of non-invasive protocols is of paramount importance. The present study aims to present a non-invasive, underwater-capable photographic tracking method for this highly vulnerable subterranean species that minimizes handling-related stress and potential impacts on animal welfare. Specifically, this work explores the application of UV photography as a novel tool for the detection and characterization of individual skin patterns, enabling the recognition of over 300 individual specimens based on unique and naturally occurring morphological features. By providing a reliable means of distinguishing individuals without the need for invasive or potentially stressful traditional marking techniques, such as physical tagging, UV-based imaging may represent a valuable alternative for the long-term monitoring of olm populations. This approach contributes to the development of scientifically grounded, welfare-centered monitoring protocols that effectively balance conservation requirements with the highest standards of animal care while improving the accuracy, repeatability, and ethical sustainability of individual-based ecological studies. Importantly, although recent evidence has revealed the presence of at least two distinct Proteus species within the study area, the present imaging-based approach remains effective for the individual identification of specimens across both species. This demonstrates that the method captures sufficient inter-individual variation to reliably distinguish individuals, irrespective of their species identity, highlighting its robustness and broad applicability in sympatric Proteus spp. populations.
SN - 2682-955X
SN - 1013-4425
ER -