An experimental satellite collar for muskoxen
An experimental satellite collar was tested on a captive bull muskox (Ovibos moschatus) and a wild cow muskox in north-eastern Alaska. The animals had no observed problems carrying the 2.2-kg collar. The satellite collar provided frequent data on location and activity of the muskox as well as intern...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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| Main Author: | |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1989
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z89-161 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z89-161 |
| Summary: | An experimental satellite collar was tested on a captive bull muskox (Ovibos moschatus) and a wild cow muskox in north-eastern Alaska. The animals had no observed problems carrying the 2.2-kg collar. The satellite collar provided frequent data on location and activity of the muskox as well as internal temperature of the collar canister. During a 12-month period, 329 locations were obtained from the wild cow muskox with a locational error ranging from 0.28 to 2.46 km. Fewer locations were obtained in winter than summer, but amounts of data received on activity and temperature were relatively consistent year-round. A counter that recorded closure of a mercury tip switch at 1-min intervals for 30 min was useful for determining if the animal was active or resting. Home range size, movements, and activity of the satellite-collared cow muskox were all reduced in winter. |
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