development. Neither wing-loop nor lumbar designs have yet been tested on
many species.
For short-term studies, small tags glued to skin or feathers on bird backs have
proved satisfactory in several projects (e.g. Graber and Wunderle 1966; Raim
1978; Green et al. 1990). Surgical glues are now the preferred option, as other
adhesives (e.g. epoxy-based) can cause inflammation. The most durable attach-
ments, which can last several months, occur after use of biologically compatible
cleansing solvents and by gluing to the relatively immobile skin over the syn-
sacrum rather than to the thorax (R.E. Green, personal communication).
In summary, tag mass, recovery requirements, and animal welfare considera-
tions influence the choice of attachment techniques. Whereas some techniques
are quite straightforward, application of a precautionary principle indicates that,
whenever possible, the most risky methods (Table 6.1) should be avoided. People
should certainly not fit backpack harnesses without proper training. Moreover,
there will always be some impact of putting extra weight on an animal, no matter
how carefully a tag is attached. There should therefore always be tests for adverse
impacts, even if only by comparing results with different tag attachments and
mass. There is also the issue of tag detachment, which may be simple to arrange
with a weak-link system, but which is hard to arrange reliably for long-life
necklaces and harnesses, and impossible for implants. In cases of doubt, an ethics
committee may be required to assess the trade-off between necessity of data for
species conservation and impact on individual animals.
6.3 Forward planning
6.3.1Equipment
It is important to order the most suitable equipment, and in good time.
Manufacturers often make a wide range of equipment, but may favor particular
niches, such as ARGOS tags (e.g. http://[email protected], http://www.northstarst.com),,)
GPS tags and logging equipment (e.g. http://www.lotek.com, http://www.televilt.se),,) or gener-
al VHF equipment (e.g. http://www.biotrack.co.uk, http://www.holohil.com, http://www.sirtrack.
landcareresearch.co.nz, http://www.titley.com.au and US companies listed at http://www.
bio telem.org/manufact.htm). Some firms deliver more reliably than others and
have tight schedules booked months in advance, so be sure to order in good time.
Helpful firms will schedule orders provisionally, before funding is assured, to avoid
a last-minute rush. Manufacturers will require an identity code for each ARGOS
tag, so contact the ARGOS system (www.argosinc.com) as early as possible.
148 |Radio-tagging