The use of computer-assisted programs continues to grow as more species are
identified through natural markings. These programs significantly improve the process
of identification but are not fully automated and still require partial human assistance to
confirm a match (Whitehead 1990, Kelly 2001). The program closest to complete
automation is a matching system for African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) which uses a sensor and camera to detect spot patterns on the chest of the penguins (Sherley
et al. 2010).