Remote monitoring of crocodilians: implantation, attachment and release methods for transmitters and data-loggers
Craig E. Franklin A E , Mark A. Read B , Peter G. Kraft A , Niko Liebsch C , Steve R. Irwin D and Hamish A. Campbell AA School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia.
B Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, PO Box 1397, Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.
C Institute of Environmental Sustainability, School of the Environment and Society, University of Wales Swansea, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.
D Australia Zoo, Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah, Qld 4519, Australia. [deceased]
E Corresponding author. Email: c.franklin@uq.edu.au
Marine and Freshwater Research 60(4) 284-292 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF08153
Submitted: 12 May 2008 Accepted: 4 December 2008 Published: 29 April 2009
Abstract
Crocodilians are by their very nature difficult animals to study. However, research on wild animals is essential for the development of reliable long-term management. Here, we describe methods for the acquisition and monitoring of behavioural and physiological variables from free-ranging crocodilians through the use of archival tags (data-loggers) and via satellite, radio and acoustic telemetry. Specifically, the attachment or implantation of electronic tags is described and examples provided of the type of data that can be collected. Our research group has used a combination of approaches to monitor the movements, diving activity, body temperatures and heart rates of crocodilians, including studies on the Australian freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni), the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the caiman (Caiman latirostris). Each approach or method presents unique challenges and problems, chiefly as a consequence of differences in body morphology and size of the crocodilian species, their behaviours and the habitats they occupy.
Additional keywords: alligators, archival tags, crocodiles, reptiles, satellite, telemetry.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported in part by an Australian Research Council Linkage grant to CEF, MAR and SRI and through generous financial and logistical support from Australia Zoo. This manuscript has resulted from the culmination of working with a large number of people who have contributed to our research program on monitoring crocodiles. We acknowledge in particular Frank Seebacher, Terri Irwin, Bob Irwin, Nicole Byrne, members of the croc team from Australia Zoo and rangers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for their contributions and expert assistance in the field. We received useful advice and comments on our manuscript from the editor and referees. This research was covered by animal ethics and wildlife permits to C.E.F. and M.A.R.
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