Sampling strategies for radio-tracking coyotes

G. J. Smith; J.R. Cary; O.J. Rongstad

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USGS · 5221645

Sampling strategies for radio-tracking coyotes

G. J. Smith·J.R. Cary·O.J. Rongstad

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Abstract

Ten coyotes radio-tracked for 24 h periods were most active at night and moved little during daylight hours. Home-range size determined from radio-locations of 3 adult coyotes increased with the number of locations until an asymptote was reached at about 35-40 independent day locations or 3 6 nights of hourly radio-locations. Activity of the coyote did not affect the asymptotic nature of the home-range calculations, but home-range sizes determined from more than 3 nights of hourly locations were considerably larger than home-range sizes determined from daylight locations. Coyote home-range sizes were calculated from daylight locations, full-night tracking periods, and half-night tracking periods. Full- and half-lnight sampling strategies involved obtaining hourly radio-locations during 12 and 6 h periods, respectively. The half-night sampling strategy was the best compromise for our needs, as it adequately indexed the home-range size, reduced time and energy spent, and standardized the area calculation without requiring the researcher to become completely nocturnal. Sight tracking also provided information about coyote activity and sociability.

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G. J. Smith, J.R. Cary, O.J. Rongstad. 1981. Sampling strategies for radio-tracking coyotes. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/5221645

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