Refining the Use of Implanted Biologgers in an Endangered Species

Abstract

Abstract Research on endangered wildlife is vital to inform conservation, but may risk adverse welfare impacts. Following predictions that African wild dog ( Lycaon pictus ) populations could collapse as global temperatures rise, we initiated a thermal ecophysiology study to better understand weather impacts on this endangered species. Four institutional ethics committees approved our plan to surgically implant small (3.3g) thermal data loggers, using methods previously applied safely in similar species. One confirmed, and one unconfirmed, incident of adverse effects led us to refine our protocols and reduce target sample sizes. We experienced difficulties in detecting and responding to ill-effects, and our refined protocols approached the limit of what was possible with this wide-ranging species. Hence, any attempt to repeat our study would need to be carefully considered and strongly justified. Future projects performing novel invasive procedures on endangered species should recruit study animals gradually, using intensive post-surgery monitoring to inform recruitment decisions.