A New System for Automatic Radiotracking of Small Mammals

We developed a radiotracking system for automatic and continuous data collection, which allows the radiotracking of several animals at the same time. Based on a system controller, 3 fixed antennas, and small-size radiotransmitters (<2 g, 14 by 12 by 4 mm), the system has the capacity to record several individuals continuously at intervals of <5 min. Antennas, positioned at fixed points in the field, forward the signals from tagged animals to the system controller, where data are collected. The coordinates of the individual's locations are calculated through triangulation on the basis of the angles of incidence from the transmitter signal to each antenna. Transmitters are individually identified by the chronological sequence of their signals. Field tests with Microtus arvalis show the utility of the new technique and possibilities for the syste

A New System for Automatic Radiotracking of Small Mammals

We developed a radiotracking system for automatic and continuous data collection, which allows the radiotracking of several animals at the same time. Based on a system controller, 3 fixed antennas, and small-size radiotransmitters (<2 g, 14 by 12 by 4 mm), the system has the capacity to record several individuals continuously at intervals of <5 min. Antennas, positioned at fixed points in the field, forward the signals from tagged animals to the system controller, where data are collected. The coordinates of the individual's locations are calculated through triangulation on the basis of the angles of incidence from the transmitter signal to each antenna. Transmitters are individually identified by the chronological sequence of their signals. Field tests with Microtus arvalis show the utility of the new technique and possibilities for the system