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Effects of implanted radio transmitters with percutaneous antennas on the behavior of Canada Geese

January 1, 2003

We examined whether surgically-implanted radio transmitters with percutaneous antennas affected behavior of Lesser Canada Geese (Branta canadensis parvipes) in Anchorage, Alaska. We implanted either a 26-g VHF radio transmitter or a larger VHF radio that was the same mass (35 g) and shape as a satellite transmitter in the coelom of adult females captured during molt in 2000. A control group of females was marked with leg bands. We simultaneously observed behavior of radio-marked and control females from 4-62 d following capture. We observed no differences in the proportion of time birds in different treatments allocated among grazing, resting, comfort, walking, and alert behavior. Females in different treatments spent a similar proportion of time in the water. Implantation of radio transmitters did not affect the frequency of agonistic interactions. We conclude that coelomic radio transmitters with percutaneous antennas had minimal effects on the behavior of Canada Geese.

Publication Year 2003
Title Effects of implanted radio transmitters with percutaneous antennas on the behavior of Canada Geese
DOI 10.1648/0273-8570-74.3.250
Authors Jerry W. Hupp, G.A. Ruhl, John M. Pearce, Daniel M. Mulcahy, M.A. Tomeo
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Field Ornithology
Index ID 70025676
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Alaska Science Center