RADIOLOCATION AND TRACKING OF ANIMALS - AN INEXPENSIVE TRIANGULATION RECORDER.
Abstract
The radio-location technique will probably continue for years as an important tool for studying animals in their natural environments. Although emphasis may shift toward more balanced studies using physiological and environmental measurements, a knowledge of animal movements and locations should continue as an important supplement for interpretation of these and other measurements and observations. Used efficiently, some automation of the location process can greatly increase the return per research dollar. The degree and kind of automation will vary widely with the particulars of each application. In many cases the flexibility of the completely manual method, combined with limited or specialized objectives will dictate its continued use. At the other extreme long-term and extensive ecological studies in a particular geographic area may warrant the economy of expensive permanent automatic equipment. The purpose of this study is to examine possibilities for the compromise area between these extremes and to recommend a design for such a system. The system described uses the familiar tri-angulation method. Several independent, battery powered receiving stations are employed. Each is capable of automatically recording bearings of ten or fewer animals. Baseline accuracy problems are significantly decreased and general coverage increased by using three or more of these stations. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0667582
Entities
People
- William W. Cochran
Organizations
- American Institute of Biological Sciences