Sub‐lethal effects of capture and collaring on wildlife: Experimental and field evidence

ABSTRACT We used both experimental and observational approaches to investigate sub‐lethal effects of capture and radiocollaring on pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) in Idaho and Washington during 2004–2008. We expected that attachment of collars would increase rates of grooming behaviors and alter patterns of space use. Frequency of grooming was >3 times higher following attachment of radiocollars on captive rabbits; however, the grooming rate declined rapidly and returned to within 5% of pre‐collaring levels after 7 days. Free‐ranging rabbits exhibited relatively longer distance movements immediately following and during the 2 weeks after capture and attachment of radiocollars, but those movements decreased during weeks 3–4 post‐collaring. Rabbits also shifted use areas away from capture locations. Our results suggest that: 1) rabbits became habituated to the presence of collars with respect to grooming; and 2) although, magnitude of movements following capture and collaring in the field attenuated with time, some animals continued to avoid capture areas up to 4 weeks after collaring. A better understanding of potential effects of telemetry on wildlife can help to improve the quality of data collected, design ways to mitigate the impacts on animals, and enhance the ethical conduct of wildlife research. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.