Radio Telemetry in Wildlife

 Radio telemetry is the useful tool to monitor the wildlife. This technique uses the transmission of radio signals to locate and track a transmitter affixed to the wildlife of interest. This technique is mostly used for studying free-ranging wild animals. They are primarily used for studying home range, migration pattern, diet  and behavioral activities of an elusive species like tiger, snow leopard, clouded leopard and pangolins or a wide- ranging species like elephant. This method is in operated by professional wildlife biologists and the information obtained from radio telemetry is highly robust as well as scientific. The results obtain are also implemented for the conservation significance and aid in preparing the conservation plans, policies, protocols and action plan.

Radio telemetry is highly tedious as this method uses the process of tranquilizing a wild species and affixing the radio chips or radio collars on their body. Henceforth, it should be operated with intensive care. The radio telemetry are commonly operated by professional and experienced wildlife biologists because while operating several points should be considered for wildlife welfare by: a) Minimizing stress on the wild species at the time of capturing and handling process b) The radio collar should be properly fitted c) Choosing the most appropriate attachment method in accordance with animal behavior and body size.

 With the application of radio telemetry researches are able to discover new behavior of species and as the result it can be of high conservation value. On the other hand, having numerous advantages; the technique is also overshadowed by some critical negative impacts when the radio collar is not properly attached in accordance to guidelines.

References:

What are the advantages and hazards of radio-collaring wild animals, particularly elephants? Available at: https://www.conservationindia.org/ask-ci/q-what-are-the-advantages-and-hazards-of-radio-collaring-wild-animals-particularly-elephants#:~:text=Radio%2Dcollaring%20of%20animals%20is,a%20computer%20via%20a%20satellite

GPS and VHF Tracking Collars used for Wildlife Monitoring. Available at: https://wildlifeact.com/blog/gps-and-vhf-tracking-collars-used-for-wildlife-monitoring/

Radio tracking and GPS tracking. Available at: https://www.animalethics.org.au/policies-and-guidelines/wildlife-research/radio-tracking

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