Field techniques for handling, anaesthetising and fitting radio-transmitters to Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra)

摘要: Practical issues for radio-tracking studies of otters (Lutra lutra) include their sensitivity to stress, certain anaesthetic regimes and unsuitability standard collar mounted radio-transmitters. We examined the practicability various field techniques overcoming these in east south Ireland from April 2005 July 2006. Thirty-four highly-stressed were restrained with ketamine midazolam within minutes capture, fit externally-mounted transmitters or transfer them transport boxes. Eleven fitted harness radio-transmitters, 2 glued-on radio-transmitters 15 surgically implanted intra-abdominal field. The under isoflurane anaesthesia an hour initial sedation. experienced no complications this regime. abdominal cavity was accessed by a lateral approach. All surgeries successful we recorded serious post-operative complications. implantation procedure lasted less than 3 hours capture release such that almost all animals stayed territories, pups not abandoned. However, following release, sensitive directed disturbance could easily be forced disperse.