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Radio Collars on Lions
If you're going on safari, one thing you are likely to see in the Serengeti is a
radio-collared lion. Although these collars might initially seem disturbing, they
are an essential tool to monitoring the state of the lion population, and are used
only because they are absolutely necessary. Some of the more common questions
about radio-collars are addressed below.
What is a radio collar?
A radio collar is a leather collar with a small radio transmitter and battery attached.
The transmitter on each collar emits a signal at a specific frequency, which
researchers can track from a vehicle. When a researcher is trying to locate a
particular collared lion, they will dial in her frequency and drive around her
territory listening for the signal (little "beeps"). On top of the vehicle is
a directional antenna, and once the signal is detected, the researcher simply
drives in the direction where the signal is loudest.
Why use radio collars?
Finding a specific pride of lions isn't easy. Their territories may be as large
as 400 square kilometers, and because lions spend most of their time asleep,
they often hidden in the grass or on top of kopjes where they
are difficult to see. In order to closely monitor the health of the lion population
as well as the behavior of specific individuals, it is necessary to see them
on a regular basis (ideally every 2-3 days). This is only possible with radio collars.
For example, radio-collars played a key role in the quick detection of canine
distemper in 1994, and enabled us to accurately measure the rate and extent
of mortality. As a result,
PROJECT LIFELION was established to protect
wildlife from canine distemper and rabies.
How do we radio-collar lions?
The first step is to immobilize the lion. A Serengeti veterinarian uses a dart
gun to inject the lion with a benign drug called Telazol. While the lion is
tranquilized, we fit the radio collar, and we also collect a variety of biological
samples which enable us to address physiological questions and to monitor disease
rates. The lion typically is back on its feet after two hours, and we remain with
the lion until it is fully recovered.
Do collars bother lions?
No. It takes a day or two for lions to get accustomed to them, but they soon
completely ignore the collar (just as domestic dogs do with theirs). The
collar may look tight, but this prevents it from getting stuck in vegetation,
and is actually more comfortable to the lion than a loose collar.
Do collars have any negative long-term effects on lions?
Not at all. Over the past 20 years, we have found no difference in life span
or reproduction between collared and un-collared lions.
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