The usefulness of GPS telemetry to study wolf circadian and social activity

摘要: This study describes circadian and social movement patterns of 9 wolves illustrates capabilities limitations Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry for analysis animal activity patterns. Wolves were studied at the Camp Ripley National Guard Training Site in Little Falls, Minnesota, captured via helicopter net-gunning. All showed nocturnal regardless time year. One wolf's pattern switched to diurnal when he conducted an extraterritorial foray from his natal territory. data sets with GPS intervals ≤1 hour (n=4) crepuscular peaks. We identified den visitation attendance, estimated minimum distances traveled rates movement, observed that location may affect perceived wolf travel. was useful determining pack members traveling together or apart how long a breeding female spent near her pups (e.g., 10-month-old left unattended by their mother as 17 days).