Comparison of VHF and Satellite Telemetry for Estimating Sizes of Wolf Territories in Northwest Alaska
Ballard WB, Edwards M, Fancy SG, Boe S, Krausman PR. 1998. Comparison of VHF and Satellite Telemetry for Estimating Sizes of Wolf Territories in Northwest Alaska. Wildlife Society Bulletin. 26(4):823-829
During 1987-1991 we deployed 23 satellite transmitters (PTTs) on wolves (Canis lupus) in northwest Alaska, and compared seasonal and annual estimates of territory size with those calculated from VHF telemetry data. Area-observation curves indicated that an average of 123, 73, and 98 locations were necessary to describe 90% of annual, summer, and winter territories, respectively. Estimates of annual, summer, and winter territories from PTT data averaged 3,375; 1,040; and 3,444 km2, respectively, whereas estimates from VHF-equipped wolves averaged 1,430; 530; and 980 km2, respectively. Annual and seasonal territory sizes for PTTs were not correlated with pack size or number of locations. We attributed the larger estimates of territory size provided by satellite telemetry to more frequent locations, greater numbers of locations, acquisition of locations when it was impractical to obtain VHF locations, and location error.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Ballard, Warren; Edwards, Mark; Fancy, Steven; Boe, Sue; Krausman, Paul
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- Arctic, Canis lupus, Gray Wolves, Satellite Telemetry, territory size, VHF telemetry, Wolf