Document Type

Article

Publication Title

New Zealand Journal of Ecology

Publisher

New Zealand Ecological Society

Publication Date

7-28-2014

Volume

39

Disciplines

Life Sciences

Abstract

GPS and satellite technology for studies on wildlife have improved substantially over the past decade. It is now possible to collect fine-scale location data from migratory animals, animals that have previously been too small to deploy GPS devices on, and other difficult-to-study species. Often researchers and managers have formatted well-defined ecological or conservation questions prior to deploying GPS on animals, whereas other times it is arguably done simply because the technology is now available to do so. We review and discuss six important interrelated questions that should be addressed when planning a study requiring location data. Answers will clarify whether GPS technology is required and whether its use would increase efficiency of data collection and learning from location data. Specifically, what are required: (1) ecological question(s); (2) frequency and duration of data collection; (3) sample size; (4) hardware (VHF or GPS or satellite) and accessories; (5) environmental data; and (6) data-management and analysis procedures? This approach increases the chance that the appropriate technology will be deployed, budgets will be realistic, and data will be sufficient (but not excessive) to answer the ecological questions of interest. The expected results are important advances in ecological science and evidence-based management decisions.

Keywords

dispersal, ecological questions, fix-rate, migration, movement, resource selection, satellite technology, telemetry data

DOI

none listed

Comments

Link to publisher's version: http://newzealandecology.org/nzje/3204

Rights

© New Zealand Ecological Society

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