Microchip transponder thermometry for monitoring core body temperature of antelope during capture

摘要

Hyperthermia is described as the major cause of morbidity and mortality associated withcapture, immobilization and restraint of wild animals. Therefore, accurately determining the core body temperature of wild animals during capture is crucial for monitoring hyperthermiaand the efficacy of cooling procedures. We investigated if microchip thermometry canaccurately reflect core body temperature changes during capture and cooling interventions inthe springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis), a medium-sized antelope. Subcutaneous temperaturemeasured with a temperature-sensitive microchip was a weak predictor of core bodytemperature measured by temperature-sensitive data loggers in the abdominal cavity(R2=0.32, bias >2 °C). Temperature-sensitive microchips in the gluteus muscle, however,provided an accurate estimate of core body temperature (R2=0.76, bias=0.012 °C). Microchipsinserted into muscle therefore provide a convenient and accurate method to measure bodytemperature continuously in captured antelope, allowing detection of hyperthermia and theefficacy of cooling procedures.