Evaluation of an expandable, breakaway radiocollar for subadult cervids

摘要: We designed and field tested an expandable, easy-to-build radiocollar for subadult male fallow deer (Dama dama). This collar is inexpensive (it only costs few eu- ros), breaks away due to the natural growth of neck without causing injury. Elastic rubber bands (expandable section) are covered by a leather layer that protects it from pre- mature breakaway. evaluated effectiveness 37 expandable collars deployed on pricket (1-2 y.o.) deer, using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Average dura- tion their deployment drop off was almost 2 years (mean ±SE, 91.7 ± 6.4 weeks). enabled us monitor during maturation collect data spatial behaviour first time. Very little known behavioural ecology life history cervids. Accordingly, breakaway radiocol- lars important research tools whose use should increase among biologists.