In wildlife research, our ability to GPS track sufficient numbers of individuals is always limited by cost, which restricts inference of species–habitat relationships. Here, we describe the modification and use of a relatively new and inexpensive off-the-shelf GPS device, to provide detailed and accurate information on the movement patterns of individuals (mountain brushtail possums, Trichosurus cunninghami), including how movement varies through time, and how individuals interact with each other. Our results demonstrated that this technology has enormous potential to contribute to an improved understanding of the movement patterns and habitat preferences of wildlife at a fraction of the cost of traditional GPS technology.
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19 August 2013
A cost-effective and informative method of GPS tracking wildlife
Blake M. Allan,
John P. Y. Arnould,
Jennifer K. Martin,
Euan G. Ritchie
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Wildlife Research
Vol. 40 • No. 5
September 2013
Vol. 40 • No. 5
September 2013
animal movement
ecological niche
habitat use
home range
locomotion
radio telemetry