Attachment of geolocators to Bar-tailed Godwits: a tibia-mounted method with no survival effects or loss of units
Info
Pages
56 – 58
Published
1 April 10
Authors
Jesse R. Conklin, Phil F. Battley
Correspondence
Jesse R. Conklin
conklin.jesse@gmail.com
Ecology Group, Institute of Natural Resources, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
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We describe a method for tibia-mounted geolocator attachment successfully used on Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica baueri in New Zealand. The return rate of 95% for instrumented godwits was higher than for other colour-banded individuals in the same study, and we observed no negative physical or behavioural effects of attachment. There was no loss of units, even after 24 months and two return migrations to Alaska. We believe this method is appropriate for a wide variety of migratory waders.