WILDLIFE RADIOTELEMETRY WILDLIFE RADIOTELEMETRY AND REMOTE MONITORINGAND 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

IntroductionIntroduction 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

Sampling Considerations and Study Sampling Considerations and Study ObjectivesObjectives

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

Selecting AnimalsSelecting 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

Data Collection and ManagementData Collection and Management Scheduling telemetry data collection

► Related to time frame of interest► Benefits of systematic schedule

Data Management

► Often overlooked, but shouldn’t be► Need better data sharing

Addressing Sources of BiasAddressing 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

Equipment ConsiderationsEquipment Considerations

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

Equipment for MammalsEquipment for Mammals

Mammals► Collars

Equipment for BirdsEquipment for Birds

Birds► Implants► Harness

Equipment for Amphibians and Equipment for Amphibians and ReptilesReptiles

Reptiles and amphibians► Implants► External attachment

VHF Telemetry SystemsVHF Telemetry Systems

TriangulationTriangulation VHF and triangulation

Global Tracking (GPS and PTT) Global Tracking (GPS and PTT) Telemetry SystemsTelemetry Systems

SensorsSensors Many sensors

► Mortality switch► Accelerometer► Body temperature► Heart rate► Video

SUMMARYSUMMARY► 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