Proteomics-based mechanisms of tail pattern formation in crocodile lizards (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)

Accurate identification of individual animals is essential for long-term wildlife conservation and management. Although previous research has indicated that tail-abdominal patterns (referred to as tail patterns) in crocodile lizard individuals could serve as a non-invasive biometric identifier, a rigorous scientific validation of this approach has not yet been undertaken. To assess the reliability and stability of these tail patterns, we conducted proteomic analysis to explore the molecular genetic mechanisms that influence pigmentation traits.