Conventional attachment of radiotransmitters may not be feasible in pocket gophers due to their unique morphology and fossorial lifestyle. We implanted radiotransmitters subcutaneously in Ozark pocket gophers, Geomys bursarius ozarkensis, 3 March 2007–10 February 2008. Of the 72 surgeries, 70 were successful. We recaptured 22 individuals (range, 20–325 days post-implantation) and recorded a mean change in mass from implantation to recapture for adult males, adult females, and juveniles of 1.1% (SD = 11.9), −1.6% (SD = 9.0), and 17.3% (SD = 18.8), respectively. We suggest that subcutaneous implantation is the best method for pocket gophers and may be applicable for other small mammals.
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1 May 2009
Benefits of Subcutaneous Implantation of Radiotransmitters in Pocket Gophers
Matthew B. Connior,
Thomas S. Risch
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