A Critique of Wildlife Radio-Tracking and Its Use in National Parks: A Report to the U.S. National Park Service

Mech, L; Barber, Shannon

A simple overview is presented of radio-tracking technology, its benefits, variety, cost, and availability, advantages and disadvantages, and recent refinements that, if used, could reduce research intrusiveness. Considered is whether any less-intrusive, non-radio-tracking techniques could supply the same information. Possible future improvements are discussed and some that would help reduce intrusion during wildlife research in national parks are suggested. Radio-tracking technology is reviewed in detail for readers who want a more complete understanding. This review should allow administrators and scientists to determine whether the least-intrusive radio-tracking techniques are currently being used. No substitute for radio-tracking appears to be on the horizon but a few recent improvements in the technology can reduce some of its intrusiveness. Recommendations are made to the National Park Service to: 1) formally assess the extent of park visitors' perceptions and concerns about any intrusiveness caused by wildlife radio-tracking studies, 2) help minimize visitor concern about the technique by educating the public about radio-tracking and some of its findings in the parks, 3) promote use of the most up-to-date refinements and improvements in radio-tracking technology, and 4) encourage funding projects using such techniques. (authors' summary)