A comparison of methods for the long-term harness-based attachment of radio-transmitters to juvenile Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Abstract

Background While the period from fledging through first breeding for waterbird species such as terns (e.g., genus Sterna, Sternula) is of great interest to researchers and conservationists, this period remains understudied due in large part to the difficulty of marking growing juveniles with radio transmitters that remain attached for extended periods. Methods In an effort to facilitate such research, we examined the impact of various combinations of harness types (backpack, leg-loop, and 3D-printed harnesses), harness materials (Automotive ribbon, Elastic cord, and PFTE ribbon), and transmitter types (center-weighted and rear-weighted) on a surrogate for juvenile terns, 28-day-old Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica; selected due to similarities in adult mass and downy feathering of juveniles), in a 30-day experiment. We monitored for abrasion at points of contact and tag gap issues via daily exams while also recording mass and wing cord as indices of growth. This study was designed to serve as an initial examination of the impacts of marking on the growth and development of young birds and does not account for any impacts of tags on movement or behavior. Results While we found that treatment (the specific combination of the transmitter type, harness type, and harness material) had no impact on bird growth relative to unmarked control birds (P ≥ 0.05), we did observe differences in abrasion and tag gap between treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Our results suggest that leg-loop harnesses constructed from elastic cord and backpack harnesses from PFTE ribbon are suitable options for long-term attachment to growing juveniles. Conversely, we found that automotive ribbon led to extensive abrasion with these small-bodied birds, and that elastic cord induced blisters when used to make a backpack harness. Conclusions While these results indicate that long-term tagging of juvenile birds is possible with limited impacts on growth, this work does not preclude the need for small-scale studies with individual species. Instead, we hope this provides an informed starting point for further exploration of this topic.

Evaluating satellite‐transmitter backpack‐harness effects on greater sage‐grouse survival and device retention in the Great Basin

“…Among precisely weighed sage‐grouse in the present study (i.e., excluding those 20 with weights estimated), body mass ratios were almost entirely within or below these guidelines. Further, effects such as skin abrasions on Japanese quail ( Coturnix japonica ) appeared to be related more to harness design and materials than to transmitter type (Buck et al 2021). Continued technological advancement and miniaturization of tracking devices may soon allow researchers to attach GPS or other transmitter types (e.g., cellular‐based GSM [Global System for Mobile Communications] transmitters, where service is available) using necklace‐style mounting, which has been associated with higher survival among sage‐grouse (Severson et al 2019).…”

“…A primary consideration when choosing whether and how to deploy tracking technologies regards the method of device attachment on specific study taxa (Schulz et al 2001, Mong and Sandercock 2007, Lameris et al 2018, Buck et al 2021). Relatively bulky devices, like radio and satellite transmitters, are typically attached to birds via necklace or backpack‐style harnesses.…”

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-based Autonomous Tracking System for Invasive Flying Insects

“…[52] suggested the use of color paints or conspicuous nail polish to mark individuals for ensuring visibility and easy identification from distances of 1.5 to 2 m, which are typical observer distances from bait stations. However, we developed a specific harnessbased sensor attachment method suitable for arthropods to avoid the use of chemical substances [53], [54]. The proposed attachment method involves forming a loop with a thread and fastening it onto the hornet by hooking it around two segments of the insect and pulling until snug.…”

Evaluation of tag attachment techniques for plunge‐diving terns

“…Kenward 1985) or a leg-loop design (cf. Rappole & Tipton 1991) although incorrect fitting leading to harness loss has also been recorded (Buck et al 2021).…”