Abstract
BackgroundDuring the past decades, avian studies have profited from the development of miniature electronic devices that allow long-term and long-range monitoring. To ensure data quality and to inform understanding of possible impacts, it is necessary to test the effects of tagging. We investigated the influence of GPS-transmitters on the behaviour and physiology (levels of excreted corticosterone metabolites, CM) of an endangered bird species, the Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita). We considered effects of GPS-tags in two contexts: (1) aviary (i.e. in captivity), focussing on short-term effects of transmitters on locomotion, foraging and maintenance behaviour (20 individuals that differed in sex and age observed for 10 days) and (2) field, focussing on intermediate-term effects of transmitters on locomotion, foraging, maintenance behaviour, dorsal feather preening, social interactions and physiology (CM) (24 individuals observed for 79 days). In both contexts, focal animals were equipped with bio-logger backpacks mounted with a harness.ResultsIn the aviary, behavioural observations were limited to the first days after tagging: no differences were found between individuals with GPS-tags and their controls with respect to the behavioural parameters considered. In the field, no behavioural differences were found between the GPS-tagged individuals and their controls; however, 1 month after tagging, individuals with GPS-tags excreted significantly more CM than their controls before returning to baseline levels.ConclusionsOur results suggest that GPS-transmitters did not affect foraging, locomotion and maintenance behaviour in the Northern Bald Ibis in the short- or intermediate-term. However, they did affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal reactivity in the intermediate-term for 1 month before returning to baseline levels the next month. As the Northern Bald Ibis is listed as endangered, evaluating possible adverse effects of bio-logging is also relevant for potential conservation and reintroduction research.
Highlights
During the past decades, avian studies have profited from the development of miniature electronic devices that allow long-term and long-range monitoring
We considered the effect of Global Positioning System (GPS)-loggers in two different contexts: (1) a study on Northern Bald Ibis in captivity focussing on short-term effects of GPS-loggers on behaviour and (2) a study on free-ranging Northern Bald Ibis focussing on short- and intermediate-term effects of GPS-loggers on behaviour and physiological parameters
This study was performed on a globally endangered species, for which the kind of data that can be collected by GPS telemetry could be essential to manage its conservation
Summary
Avian studies have profited from the development of miniature electronic devices that allow long-term and long-range monitoring. We considered effects of GPS-tags in two contexts: (1) aviary (i.e. in captivity), focussing on short-term effects of transmitters on locomotion, foraging and maintenance behaviour (20 individuals that differed in sex and age observed for 10 days) and (2) field, focussing on intermediate-term effects of transmitters on locomotion, foraging, maintenance behaviour, dorsal feather preening, social interactions and physiology (CM) (24 individuals observed for 79 days) In both contexts, focal animals were equipped with bio-logger backpacks mounted with a harness. The predictive models generated by geographical datasets are of considerable importance for conservation biologists, and for other disciplines, for example, veterinary medicine [2] Despite these benefits, recent research has emphasised the need to identify any possible effects of GPS-tagging before making inferences about the biology of an animal [7,8,9]. McMahon et al [15] assessed four main categories for describing the potential effects of GPS-tags: (1) those originating from capturing an animal, (2) the type of device, including shape, size and colouration, (3) the method applied for mounting the device, and (4) timing and duration of bio-logging
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
