Northern Spotted Owls: Using Radio Telemetry to Track Populations
(Revised October 2005)
| |
Biologist attaching final crimp to radio transmitter harness.
|
What is radio telemetry and how is it used with wildlife?
Radio telemetry is the science of using radio transmitters and receivers to track wild animals. Representatives of the animal population under study are carefully captured using techniques to minimize impact to them. A battery-operated transmitter is then attached to the individual animal. Once the transmitter is secured, the animal is observed to ensure that the transmitter does not hinder its movement.
Radio signals emitted by the animals' transmitters are detected by a biologist with hand-held receivers. The location of the animal can be calculated by triangulating three compass bearings of radio signals. With this information, wildlife biologists can learn more about the home ranges, habitat use, and movement of the animals within their study.
How does this apply to Northern Spotted Owls?
Over the past decade, studies on northern spotted owls have been conducted in areas with extensive young, naturally-regenerated forests or in extensive second-growth forests that surround small patches of late seral and old-growth forests. Many initial studies examined forest attributes characterizing northern spotted owl nest and roost sites. However, much less is known about how northern spotted owls utilize managed landscapes seasonally and while foraging, especially in Mendocino County. Radio telemetry is a useful technique for answering these types of questions.
National Council of the Paper Industry for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) initiated a five-year telemetry study in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California to monitor northern spotted owl habitat-use and responses to recent and planned applications of less-intensive forestry practices such as thinning and partial cutting. One goal of the study is to develop and provide scientific information that could promote integrated conservation of the northern spotted owl across a myriad of landscapes. Another goal is to develop a better understanding of what constitutes northern spotted owl foraging habitat.
NCASI is an environmental research resource whose programs address environmental issues associated with forest management practices.
How is Mendocino Redwood Company (MRC) Involved?
MRC has provided financial and logistical support and study sites for this project since 2000. NCASI has followed two northern spotted owl territories on MRC lands, and six additional territories on other ownerships in Mendocino County. Five seasons of telemetry work have already been completed; now the last phase - vegetation measurements - are currently being conducted and will conclude this study. The information collected should help clarify northern spotted owl habitat relationships in the Redwood region and promote the conservation of this federally-listed species.
• back to top •
|
|
|
