DIY radio-collar attachment for small macropods
Alexandra K. Ross
A B D , Jasmin C. Lawes A , Janelle A. Lowry C and Mike Letnic A B
A Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
B Evolution and Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2052, Australia.
C Department of Environment and Science, Rockhampton, Qld 4701, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: alexandra.ross@unsw.edu.au
Australian Mammalogy 44(1) 149-152 https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20068
Submitted: 18 November 2020 Accepted: 20 February 2021 Published: 15 March 2021
Abstract
There is currently a paucity of publications reporting different ways of minimising stress in collared mammals. We describe the construction of a DIY (do-it-yourself; i.e. self-made) radio-collar attachment that can improve the animal welfare outcomes of radio-tracking surveys for small macropods. The flexible collar is light, designed for long-term wear, and can stretch to allow a snagged animal to free itself without choking. We present our findings using capture and radio-collaring data from a population of an endangered macropod. Of 39 DIY radio-collars, 25 remained attached for over four months, 4 fell off naturally after 9–15 weeks, and 10 were unattached by other mechanisms (e.g. a predation event). Adverse reactions were uncommon, and we present recommendations for future radio-collaring studies.
Keywords: animal injury, bridled nailtail wallaby, conservation, ecological safety, ethical safety, methods, radio-collars, radio tracking survey, survival, wildlife studies.
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