Context. Continued demand for long-distance remote wildlife tracking has resulted in the development of a variety of satellite tracking technologies. Choosing an appropriate satellite tracking system for a project involves financial, technical and operational tradeoffs associated with different systems.Aim. The aim of the present research was to assess the technology options and associated costs to help wildlife researchers select the best tracking solution for their needs.Methods. A technology-choice decision guide was developed to assist wildlife scientists select an optimal tracking technology. We undertook four satellite tracking case studies involving avian, aquatic and terrestrial species living in diverse environments around the world and use these case studies to validate and test the technology-choice decision guide and to calculate the cost effectiveness of alternative tracking methods. Technologies used in marine tracking were out of the scope of the present paper.Key results. Choosing the tracking method best suited for a project requires (1) clearly specifying the data required to meet project objectives, (2) understanding the constraints imposed by the study species and its environment, and (3) calculating the net cost per datum of the various tracking methods available.Key conclusions. We suggest that, in most circumstances, global positioning system (GPS) tracking is preferable to other options. However, where weight and environmental limitations prevent the use of GPS, alternatives such as Argos satellite Doppler-based positions (Argos) or very high frequency (VHF) can function adequately.Implications. The present paper provides simplified criteria for selecting the best wildlife satellite tracking technology for different situations.

Honeydew drops produced by beech scale insects (Ultracoelostoma assimile) on beech trees (Nothofagus) were measured on three areas of trunk: an unprotected control area, an area screened to allow insects but not birds to feed on the honeydew, and an area screened to exclude all insects and birds. The experiments showed honeyeater birds (tui, bellbirds, and silvereyes) had little effect on the honeydew, but that cropping by German wasps (Vespula germanica), and particularly by common wasps (V. vulgaris), in the summer and autumn months markedly reduced the number, size, and sugar concentration of the honeydew drops. The energy in drops per unit area of tree trunk was reduced by at least 99.1 %, 98.4%, and 91.3% in January, March, and May, respectively. Wasps reduced the standing crop (number, size, and sugar concentration) of the honeydew drops by cropping them before they could be fully recharged and before evaporation could concentrate the sugars. Cropping by feral honey bees (Apis mellifera) may have reduced the standing crop of honeydew slightly. Removal of the honeydew by the introduced social wasps threatens the existence of some New Zealand native animals. The wasps reduce honeydew abundance and quality to the extent that honey bees do not feed on it for 3-4 months of the year. Z91011

During a five-year GPS satellite tracking study in Sabi Sand Reserve (SSR) and Kruger National Park (KNP) we monitored the daily movements of an elephant cow (Loxodonta africana) from September 2003 to August 2008. The study animal was confirmed to be part of a group of seven elephants therefore her position is representative of the matriarchal group. We found that the study animal did not use habitat randomly and confirmed strong seasonal fidelity to its summer and winter five-year home ranges. The cow's summer home range was in KNP in an area more than four times that of her SSR winter home range. She exhibited clear park habitation with up to three visits per year travelling via a well-defined northern or southern corridor. There was a positive correlation between the daily distance the elephant walked and minimum daily temperature and the elephant was significantly closer to rivers and artificial waterholes than would be expected if it were moving randomly in KNP and SSR. Transect lines established through the home ranges were surveyed to further understand the fine scale of the landscape and vegetation representative of the home ranges.

We studied the seasonal home ranges and space use of three breeding herds of elephants (Loxodonta africana) for 3-5 years in an area comprising South Africa's Sabi Sand Reserve (SSR) and Kruger National Park (KNP). Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitters were attached to the matriarchs of three herds and set to transmit a single daily location. Each herd was located in SSR 31%, 60% and 84% of the time. During the wet summer months, the herds walked longer distances and occupied larger seasonal home ranges than during the corresponding dry winter period. Core areas were centred on riverine habitats within both parks, with all three herds exhibiting closer distances to rivers and artificial water holes than would be expected if they were moving randomly. Home ranges within SSR overlapped much of the park. However, in KNP they occupied discrete areas with little overlap. Much of the movement between the two parks occurred along welldefined corridors. This study shows that elephant herds depended upon the resources of both parks, providing an insight into their within-and between-seasonal movements. This highlights the importance of ongoing co-operation between wildlife managers from both parks when forming policy. RésuméNous avons étudié les domaines vitaux et l'utilisation de l'espace saisonniers de trois troupeaux d'éléphants (Loxodonta africana) pendant trois à cinq ans sur une superficie qui englobe la Sabi Sand Reserve (SSR) et le Parc National Kruger (PNK), en Afrique du Sud. Des colliers GPS ont été fixés sur les matriarches des trois troupeaux et réglés pour transmettre une seule localisation par jour. Chaque troupeau s'est trouvé respectivement 31, 60 et 84% du temps dans la SSR. Pendant les mois d'été humides, les troupeaux parcouraient de plus longues distances et occupaient des domaines vitaux saisonniers plus vastes que pendant la période hivernale sèche correspondante. Les zones principales se concentraient sur des habitats riverains dans les deux parcs, les trois troupeaux se trouvant à des plus courtes distances des rivières et des points d'eau artificiels que s'ils s'étaient déplacés simplement au hasard. Dans la SSR, les domaines vitaux couvraient une grande partie du parc, mais au PNK, ils occupaient des lieux bien définis qui se recouvraient peu. La plupart des déplacements entre les deux parcs se faisaient le long de corridors bien délimités. Cette étude montre que les troupeaux d'éléphants dépendent des ressources des deux parcs et donne un aperçu de leurs déplacements saisonniers. Ceci souligne l'importance de la coopération actuelle entre les gestionnaires de la faune des deux parcs au moment d'établir une politique.

We tracked two adult and three juvenile New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in Kaingaroa Forest pine plantation from 2002 to 2008 using Argos satellite technology. The home ranges for both adults and juveniles varied, ranging between 44 and 587 km 2 . The falcons occasionally utilised areas outside the forest and used stands of all ages within the forest, generally in proportion to their availability. For the most part, the juveniles remained within ca. 8 km of their nests and dispersed at 58, 69, and 68 days after fledging. Falcon movement information was obtained from an average of four location points per tracking day per falcon at a putative accuracy of 350 m. The transmitters, including their solar charge capability, performed well in the forest environment. The use of all stand ages highlights the importance of forestry practises that maintain a mosaic of different aged pine stands.