An application of satellite tracking technologies to conserve wildlife : a case study approach : a dissertation presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Resource Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2010
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Massey University
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Abstract
Wildlife management is an important area of conservation and has become a priority for
many countries and organisations around the world. One of the fundamental
components of a sound wildlife management plan is a good understanding of a species’
behaviour and habitat. For animals within inaccessible environments, satellite tracking
provides a powerful tool for revealing information on animal movements and their
habitat requirements.
In this dissertation, the conservation benefits and technical effectiveness of satellite
tracking are examined through four case studies representing a diverse range of
threatened species studied for periods between six months and five years. The studies
revealed important ecological insights on the in situ movement and behaviour of the
African elephant (Loxodonta africana), Kruger National Park, South Africa; the New
Zealand bush falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae), Central North Island, New Zealand; the
estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Darwin, Australia; and the northern royal
albatross (Diomedea sanfordi), Taiaroa Head, New Zealand and Chile. For each of these
studies, satellite telemetry provided location data enabling analyses of the animals’
movements and home ranges, and these analyses inform specific management
recommendations. For example, the long time series study on African elephants
highlighted the importance of developing reciprocal animal management policies where
cross-boundary movements of animals occurred between adjacent parks.
The strengths and weaknesses of different satellite tracking systems are compared and
guidelines developed to assist wildlife managers in selecting the best technology to suit
their research needs. An assessment of the trade-offs between the technical features
built into transmitters and the associated cost is also presented.
The study shows how the use of satellite tracking systems provides conservation
agencies with a better understanding of wildlife behaviour and strengthens their ability
to improve wildlife management planning.
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Keywords
Wildlife conservation, African elephants, New Zealand falcon, Northern royal albatross, Crocodile, Home range, Migration, Animal behaviour, Global Positioning System, Animal tracking