Norge
May cause pain
- We conclude that the surface of the implants are not biocompatible, that the technical quality of the transmitters is bad, the implants can cause painful conditions and that this type of implantable radio transmitters is not used for brown bear, says Professor Jon M. Arnemo.
He has led the study in collaboration with researchers at University College Inland (THE OTHER), Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), veterinary Institute (WE), National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and Norway's environment- and Life Sciences University (tainted).
The implants can take in moisture which gives rust and risk of batteries short-circuit. In two cases brought short-circuiting of batteries that the bear died.
During the study changed your project noticed routines, that the transmitters would lie in the animal life appear that they were removed after 3-5 year. As more side effects were uncovered, specific project that this type transmitters should not be used more.
Important for improved animal welfare
- The study is important for improved animal welfare. We hope it contributes to other researchers to stop using this type of implants on brown bears and other wild animal species, says Arnemo.
Individual Labeling has been a prerequisite for acquiring knowledge about wild animal migrations, behavior and biology. The labeling may be simple methods that foot rings on birds, earmarks of deer or microchips on predators. This is the "passive" marking methods that primarily provides information by observation, recapture or findings of dead animals.
"Active" labeling methods include the use of a radio (VHF) or a GPS that attaches to a collar. The animal may then be followed by radiopeiling, via the telephone network or satellites.