Abstract
Methods to individually mark and identify free-ranging wildlife without trapping and handling would be useful for a variety of research and management purposes. The use of Passive Integrated Transponder technology could be an efficient method for collecting data for mark-recapture analysis and other strategies for assessing characteristics about populations of various wildlife species. Passive Integrated Transponder tags (PIT) have unique numbered frequencies and have been used to successfully mark and identify mammals. We tested for successful injection of PIT and subsequent functioning of PIT into gelatin blocks using 4 variations of a prototype dart. We then selected the prototype dart that resulted in the least depth of penetration in the gelatin block to assess the ability of PIT to be successfully implanted into muscle tissue of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) post-mortem and long-term in live, captive Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus). The prototype dart with a 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) needle length and no powder charge resulted in the shallowest mean (± SD) penetration depth into gelatin blocks of 27.0 mm (±5.6 mm) with 2.0 psi setting on the Dan-Inject CO2-pressured rifle. Eighty percent of PIT were successfully injected in the muscle mass of white-tailed deer post-mortem with a mean (± SD) penetration depth of 22.2 mm (±3.8 mm; n = 6). We injected PIT successfully into 13 live, captive elk by remote delivery at about 20 m that remained functional for 7 months. We successfully demonstrated that PIT could be remotely delivered in darts into muscle mass of large mammals and remain functional for >6 months. Although further research is warranted to fully develop the technique, remote delivery of PIT technology to large mammals is possible using prototype implant darts.
Highlights
Researchers are often challenged with identifying methods for humane and efficient marking and identification of free-ranging wildlife for a variety of research and management purposes
Dart 4 was selected for Passive Integrated Transponder tags (PIT) delivery in mammals muscle tissue because it injected PIT the shallowest depth in the gelatin block while maintaining functionality
Delivery of PIT into large mammals was possible with prototype darts projected remotely using dart rifles currently used by veterinarians and wildlife biologists worldwide
Summary
Researchers are often challenged with identifying methods for humane and efficient marking and identification of free-ranging wildlife for a variety of research and management purposes. The use of Passive Integrated Transponder technology could be a more efficient method for mark-recapture analysis of various wildlife species. Passive Integrated Transponder tags (PIT) have unique numbered frequencies and have been used to successfully mark and subsequently identify mountain hare (Lepus timidus), desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), and Adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) at PIT readers comparable to a recapture [1,2,3,4]. The distance at which readers can record PIT are currently limited, PIT have been successfully used to detect animals at distances ranging from 3 cm to 1 m [1,3,5]. Use of PIT offers numerous advantages to other conventional methods such as a lower expense for capture and marking large numbers of individuals compared with radiocollars or external tags, inexpensive units ($8 per PIT), safer for wildlife and researchers/biologists than capture, and likely are aesthetically more appealing to viewers of wildlife compared to radiocollars
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
