A Method for Attaching Tracking Devices toCrocodilians

摘要

Electronic tracking devices (VHF, satellite, GPS, etc.) are the most direct and accurate method of quantifying individual movement patterns in crocodilians (Franklin et al. 2009). The manner of attachment includes: neck collars (Joanen and McNease 1970; Taylor 1984), back harnesses (Kushlan and Mazzotti 1989), surgical implantation (Franklin et al. 2009; Hocutt et al. 1992; Magnusson and Lima 1991), ingestion (Magnusson and Lima 1991), and direct attachment to either the head, neck or tail using pins, wires or nylon line, usually inserted through holes drilled in the keeled scutes or osteoderms (Brien et al. 2008; Franklin et al. 2009; Kay 2004; Martin and da Silva 1998; Munoz and Thorbjarnarson 2000; Read et al. 2007; Seebacher et al. 2005; Strauss et al. 2008; Webb and Messel 1978a). However, protocols for attachment often lack important details (Strauss et al. 2008), and due to difficulties with recapture, it is usually assumed rather than demonstrated that animal and tissue health at the attachment site has not been unduly compromised.