The short-term effect of radio-packages on a free-ranging large herbivore, the northern hairy-nosed wombat

Abstract

The short-term effect of radio-packages on the activity of the northern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii, was investigated using activity data-loggers. Adjustment to the radio-package occurred between 10 and 18 days following capture and fitting of the radio-package. Following the adjustment period, activity levels were some 84–97% less than that of the initial activity level after the attachment of the radio-package. We believe that the adjustment period needs to be considered in studies involving the attachment of radio- packages.