An Improved Radio Transmitter and Implantation Technique for Snakes
1984; The Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles; Volume: 18; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/1564079
ISSN1937-2418
AutoresPatrick J. Weatherhead, F. W. Anderka,
Tópico(s)Ichthyology and Marine Biology
ResumoRadio transmitters for implantation in snakes were designed to provide transmitter life in excess of one year. This was achieved by using a 290 mAh, 3.5 V Lithium-Thionyl Chloride battery and a 2 stage transmitter with a thermistor in the timing circuit to reduce drain at low temperatures. Also, a hermetic metallic housing was designed to protect against body fluid infil- tration. The transmitter and 20 cm whip antenna were both implanted subcutaneously. Field trials with 7 telemetered black rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) indicated normal reception at a range of 150- 300 m. Snakes were located on 423 of 465 (91%) searches during the period they were active. The transmitters with the highest pulse rate were still active after 12 months indicating that the lon- gevity of these transmitters at the lower pulse rates would substantially exceed 1 year. This trans- mitter and implantation technique is ideal for large snakes that spend inactive periods at a reduced body temperature. Transmitter longevity would decrease with snakes that were active year round. The tremendous increase in recent years in the use of radiotelemetry in the study of free-living animals attests to the value of the technique in providing information that was previously unob- tainable. Specifically, one is able to re- peatedly relocate known individuals and thereby gain insight into various aspects of movement and associated be- haviors. Implicit in the use of radiote- lemetry is the assumption that the be- havior of the telemetered animal is
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