Animals
Wildlife Computers first tags were built to support research on the movements and behavior of seals and sea lions. Their frequent surfacing often allows the transmission of behavioral data to Argos satellites and the determination of their geographical position. It also allows the use of Fastloc™ to provide higher-resolution fixes. Also since many of these species predictably return to specific rookeries and haul-out sites, archival tags can sometimes be recovered and the entire dataset retrieved.
Tags for sharks and fishes have been part of the Wildlife Computers family of products for many years. There are currently several tag types and configurations available. These include implantable archival tags that must be recovered and pop-up tags that release at predetermined times and transmit data to the Argos satellites. For fish that occasionally come to the surface, fin-mounted transmitters can provide Argos geographical position estimates. For animals that are not easily restrained, towed tags can be attached by harpooning or darting onto the dorsal surface. (Note: Not all types of tags are available in all configurations.)
Turtle researchers are successfully using the full complement of Wildlife Computers products in the field. We have designed several configurations especially for turtle tagging and would be happy to help you select what best suits your animal. Attachment devices such as base plates are also available for some configurations.
Wildlife Computers tags have been used on both large and small cetaceans. These animals surface frequently but generally are not recaptured, nor do they return to predictable locations. Transmitting tags are therefore most appropriate for these species. For smaller species that can be restrained, we have developed a variety of fin-mounted configurations. For larger species, dart or harpoon attachment techniques have been developed by various researchers. We have produced highly-specialized custom-designed tags to fit individual project needs. In addition, we now offer tags utilizing Fast-GPS and pop-up technologies. Archival tags have also been used in cetacean research when mounted on a bouyant housing and attached by suction. The detached housings are then retrieved for data download. (Note: Not all types of tags are available in all configurations.)
Penguins & Other Birds
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Penguins and other birds require the smallest possible tags. We have successfully answered this challenge with a variety of archival and transmitting tags.
Other Marine Applications
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Wildlife Computers tags have long been used by operators of long-line and trawl fishing vessels to confirm the sink rates and depth of their gear. We welcome the opportunity to discuss other uses of our family of tags in marine applications.
Our tags have been used on animals such as sirenians (manatees and dugongs) and bears. Wildlife Computers tags may be suitable for animals not listed. We will be happy to discuss which options might be suitable for the species you want to study.