At Pilikula Biological Park, microchips have been inserted into King Cobras to address the challenge of distinguishing between snakes of the same species. As a reproduction and conservation center for King Cobras, it is crucial to identify each snake individually. The microchips, which are implanted under the snakes’ skin, can be read using a sensing reader and do not have any adverse effects on the snakes, according to Jayaprakash Bhandary, the park’s director.
Bhandary explained, “It is difficult to identify reptiles externally as male or female. To identify them scientifically, we use detection equipment. This method allows us to accurately measure their weight, length, and other parameters.”
In addition to King Cobras, microchips are also being inserted into tigers, lions, and leopards at the park. Efforts to identify the gender of hyenas, wolves, forest dogs, bears, and Nile crocodiles are also underway.