Re: [aroid-l] Stolen cycads - microchips

From: SelbyHort at aol.com on 2003.02.07 at 11:11:10(9940) Jim et al, About 4-5 years ago a number of large and very rare cycad specimens were utilized in the Chelsea flower show. These all came from S. African boatnical gardens, and were specially tagged with miniature radio frequency (RF) transponders injected in their woody stems which served as identifiers. They could be used for tracking to a limited extent, if the specimens were somehow stolen in transit or even at the show itself. This technology has advanced rapidly with increased miniaturization and many new applications have been developed. I don't know how useful these RF transponders would be with herbaceous material, but the woody tissue in cycads, and their characteristic slow growth make the use of this technology much more promising. As Jim mentioned, similar devices have been used for some years in animals, and you can even have your beloved pet injected with a RF chip. The transponders do have a life span but will remain active for many years and since they can be programmed with unique identifiers and other data, they are useful for specialized identification, security, etc. There has been some talk about using these devices injected in people for various purposes, and lately with Homeland Security a great many of these and similar technologies are being explored. This scenario always inflames civil liberties activists with good reason. +More Donna Atwood In a message dated 2/6/2003 3:52:20 PM Eastern Standard Time, jwaddick@kc.rr.com writes: > >Dear all; > > The Alpine-L list has recently had a discussion on the use of > micro chips implanted into CITES plants (Cycads certainly qualify) > and Don Hackenberry suggested this site: > http://www.cites.org/eng/cop/11/docs/50.pdf > > and Jan Jeddeloh wrote: > > Microchips already ARE being used to mark endangered species in North > Carolina, USA according to an article in the Fall 2002 issue of Native > Plant > Journal. Rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are using a > rice sized silicon chip and a permanent dye to mark ginseng, trillium, > sarracenia and blue cohosh. The deterrent dye is permanent and is quickly > absorbed into the roots.The chip is to allow tracking of any poachers not > deterred by funny colored roots. > > Check the alpine -L archives for more. > > It seems like a small price to pay for large, valuable > irreplaceable specimens whether cycads, aroids or anything. This is > routine for many pet and rare animal owners. > > Jim W. > -- > Dr. James W. Waddick > 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. > Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711

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