The use of radio telemetry in Martes research: techniques and technologies

Abstract

Radiotelemetry was fi rst used on a Martes species in 1972, when 5 American martens ( Martes americana ) captured incidentally during a snowshoe hare ( Lepus americanus ) research project in Minnesota were radio-collared. Since then, at least 128 research projects have used radiotelemetry to investigate various aspects of the ecology of Martes species worldwide. The most common application of radiotelemetry to research on Martes species has been a ground-based study of American marten home range or habitat use in North America using VHF collars. Other telemetry-based projects have included studies involving all but 1 Martes species that were conducted in 20 additional countries, used Global Positioning System (GPS) or Argos telemetry, and addressed a broad spectrum of research questions such as survival, density, diet, community interactions, and responses to disturbance. To better understand the application of radiotelemetry to research on Martes species, we summarize the use of ground, aerial, and satellite-based telemetry techniques and outline the strengths and limitations of each. We also review the use of alternative attachment techniques such as breakaway devices and intraperitoneal implant transmitters in research on Martes species, and provide recommendations for minimizing the risk of adverse effects while radio-tracking Martes species.

Citation

Thompson, Craig M.; Green, Rebecca A.; Sauder, Joel; Purcell, Kathryn L.; Sweitzer, Richard; Armeno,Jon. 2012. The use of radio telemetry in Martes research: techniques and technologies. Pages 284-319 5 in K. Aubry, B. Zielinski, M. Raphael, G. Proulx, and S. Buskirk, Eds. Biology and conservation of martens, sables, and fishers: a new synthesis. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York.