WILDLIFE RADIOTELEMETRY AND REMOTE MONITORING

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WILDLIFE RADIOTELEMETRY AND REMOTE MONITORING

• Joshua J. Millspaugh, Dylan C. Kesler, Roland W.
  Kays, Robert A. Gitzen, John H. Schulz,
  Christopher T. Rota, Catherine M. Bodinof,
  Jerrold L. Belant, and Barbara J. Keller

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Introduction

• Radiotelemetry provides novel information about
  animal locations and demographics
• Biologists should be aware of the most
  appropriate tools for remote monitoring of
  wildlife
• We consider many issues from design to equipment

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Sampling Considerations and Study Objectives

• Sampling considerations are critical
• Biologist assumes data are representative
• Proper sampling maximizes quality of study
• Study objectives
• Identify target population and time period of
  interest
• Prioritize biological parameters and comparisons
  of interest
• Quantitative precision goals

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Selecting Animals

• Minimize bias when selecting animals
• Individuals vary widely in their ability to be
  captured
• How do we realistically address?
• Avoid obvious biases
• Number of animals and number of locations
• Based on quantitative criteria, not a
  guesstimate and not what we can afford
• Difficult to do
• Some general recommendations such as 30-50
  locations per animal (Seaman et al. 1999)
  depending on objectives

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Data Collection and Management

• Scheduling telemetry data collection
• Related to time frame of interest
• Benefits of systematic schedule
• Data Management
• Often overlooked, but shouldnt be
• Need better data sharing

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Addressing Sources of Bias

• Effects of transmitters
• One of the most important considerations
• Often not evaluated, but should be
• Ethical obligation
• Location error
• Inaccurate and missing observations
• Many factors affect error

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Equipment Considerations

• Common considerations
• Which tag to use
• How to attached
• Data collection system
• Examples

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Equipment for Mammals

• Mammals
• Collars

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Equipment for Birds

• Birds
• Implants
• Harness

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Equipment for Amphibians and Reptiles

• Reptiles and amphibians
• Implants
• External attachment

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VHF Telemetry Systems
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Triangulation

• VHF and triangulation

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Global Tracking (GPS and PTT) Telemetry Systems
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Sensors

• Many sensors
• Mortality switch
• Accelerometer
• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Video

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SUMMARY

• Radiotelemetry powerful tool
• Sampling considerations are critical to project
  success
• Need clear objectives
• Use transmitter and attachment method that
  minimizes impacts to study species
• Several equipment options including VHF, GPS,
  PTT, among others
• Many useful sensors available
• Biologists should consult others, the literature
  and manufacturer to assess what works