Remote monitoring of crocodilians: implantation, attachment and release methods for transmitters and data-loggers

Abstract

Crocodilians are by their very nature difficult animals to study. However, research on wild animals is essential for the development of reliable long-term management. Here, we describe methods for the acquisition and monitoring of behavioural and physiological variables from free-ranging crocodilians through the use of archival tags (data loggers) and via satellite, radio and acoustic telemetry. Specifically, the attachment or implantation of electronic tags is described and examples provided of the type of data that can be collected. Our research group has used a combination of approaches to monitor the movements, diving activity, body temperatures and heart rates of crocodilians, including studies on the Australian freshwater crocodile ('Crocodylus johnstoni'), the estuarine crocodile ('Crocodylus porosus') and the caiman ('Caiman latirostris'). Each approach or method presents unique challenges and problems, chiefly as a consequence of differences in body morphology and size of the crocodilian species, their behaviours and the habitats they occupy.