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The effect of radio‐collar weight on survival of migratory caribou
Author(s) -
Rasiulis Alexandre L.,
FestaBianchet Marco,
Couturier Serge,
Côté Steeve D.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
the journal of wildlife management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1937-2817
pISSN - 0022-541X
DOI - 10.1002/jwmg.722
Subject(s) - wildlife , population , wildlife management , geography , fishery , ecology , biology , demography , sociology
Radio transmitters are widely used in wildlife management; therefore, it is essential to assess any effects that they may have on animal survival. We compared the survival of 269 randomly selected adult migratory caribou ( Rangifer tarandus ) fitted with either light very high frequency or heavy Argos satellite collars during the same period. Heavy collars reduced annual survival of caribou in a declining population with generally poor body condition by about 18%. Accurate estimates of survival are crucial for management decisions and possible effects of collars should be considered when calculating estimates. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.