Thermoregulatory effects of radiotelemetry transmitters on mallard ducklings
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Abstract
Many telemetry transmitter attachments disrupt downy insulation, and may bias survival studies during cold weather by making ducklings more susceptible to chilling. We compared thermal responses of untreated 1-day-old mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) to ducklings carrying external sutured backpack or subcutaneously implanted transmitters. Ducklings carrying external transmitters showed areas of increased surface temperature in thermographic images. However, open-circuit respirometry studies at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 C and wind speeds of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1 m/s indicated no biologically significant differences in total heat production, net heat production, or short-term body mass loss. These results do not exclude the possibility of other negative effects of transmitters on duckling behavior and survival.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Thermoregulatory effects of radiotelemetry transmitters on mallard ducklings |
| Series title | Journal of Wildlife Management |
| DOI | 10.2307/3802086 |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 1996 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center |
| Description | 10 p. |
| First page | 669 |
| Last page | 678 |