VALORACIÓN DE LOS RADIOTRANSMISORES SOBRE CROTAL EN EL SEGUIMIENTO DE PONIS SALVAJES

摘要: This work sets out an assessment of the field use ear-tag radio transmitters. Between June 2007 and October 2009, we followed juvenile mortality a wild pony Equus caballus population in me centre Galicia, NW Spain, with help Wolf, Canis lupus, predation is major cause foals. We used 14 transmitters equipped sensor to tag 32 ponies. Some were on up 4 different Transmitter frequencies monitored daily basis. In comparison other ungulates, ponies can be individually recognized easily studied by direct observation. Every fortnight visually inspected took photos ponies, which allowed us check status The average duration batteries was 364 days, months less than technical specifications stated. A 38% rags fell off: 57% fitted outside ear 22% those inside. addition, 11 % tags inside broke: 2 used, after minimum 148 days use. appropriate fitting central inner pare minimized fall off frequency. All original antennas broke between 22-173 installation significantly decreased range transmitter signal. more robust resolved this problem although equipment weight increased 18.8%. high rates breakages rag full offs could partially related type density vegetation our study area.