Testing the Wildlink activity-detection system on wolves and white-tailed deer

Abstract

We tested the reliability and predictive capabilities of the activity meter in the new Wildlink Data Acquisition and Recapture System by comparing activity counts with concurrent observations of captive wolf (Canis lupus) and free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) activity. The Wildlink system stores activity data in a computer within a radio collar with which a biologist can communicate. Three levels of activity could be detected. The Wildlink system provided greater activity discrimination and was more reliable, adaptable, and efficient and was easier to use than conventional telemetry activity systems. The Wildlink system could be highly useful for determining wildlife energy budgets.

Habitat Use by Adult Red Wolves,Canis rufus, in an Agricultural Landscape, North Carolina, USA

“…While no specific study has been conducted on diel rhythm of red wolves, wolves in general are nocturnal, with activity centered between 2000 and 0800 hours (Mech 1970;Kunkel et al 1991;Merrill and Mech 2003). All VHF locations in this study were collected between 0900-1200 hours, when red wolves were therefore less active.…”

Nocturnal activity by the primarily diurnal Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) in relation to environmental conditions, resource abundance and predation risk

“…However, this method is problematic because it is time-and labour-intensive, and subject to observer bias. Furthermore, distant or weak signals are more difficult to categorize, and bouts of activity that occur when the study species is normally inactive are likely to be missed (Cochran 1980, Kunkel et al 1991. Here, we overcome these difficulties by using an Automated Radio Telemetry System (ARTS).…”

Predicting energy expenditure of caribou using activity counts: potential use in disturbance studies

“…A programmable radio collar introduced by Wildlink Inc. (MN) records mercury tilt switch counts (AC) in each of 36 intervals of equal length (Note: the collars have since been upgraded and have a year of memory and battery life). A triggering transmitter enables remote programming of interval length and downloading of data (Kunkel et al 1991;Mech et al 1990). Counts collected in an interval correspond to the activity that took place in that interval (e.g.…”