Iris patterns as animal fingerprints

Researchers found that the radial iris markings of the egg‑eating spiny‑backed frog are distinct and stable enough to identify individuals repeatedly, allowing capture–photo–release monitoring without toe clipping. In a multi‑year field program in French Guiana (Herpetozoa study by Mélissa Peignier), 392 captures produced 103 unique iris‑identified frogs, with high within‑season recapture reidentification. — Noninvasive biometric identification for wildlife can reduce harm, lower field costs, expand longitudinal studies and citizen science, and create new tools (and ethical questions) for conservation, anti‑poaching, and population monitoring.