Effects of telemetry collars on two free-roaming feral equid species.
Authors: Schoenecker Kathryn A, King Sarah R B, Hennig Jacob D, Cole Mary J, Scasta J Derek, Beck Jeffrey L
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary Researchers fitted modern GPS tracking collars to 105 feral horses and 60 burros across five western US populations over four years to determine whether the devices posed welfare risks to these free-roaming animals. Despite concerns about older collar designs causing poor fit and neck damage, contemporary models maintained symmetrical positioning in over 93% of observations for both species, with no differences in survival rates between collared and uncollared animals or their offspring. Minor fur effects (sweating, indentation, broken hair) occurred in only 3% of horse observations and 25% of burro observations, whilst superficial skin damage appeared in 2% and 11% respectively, with no severe injuries documented; body condition scores remained unaffected (horses: 4.70 ± 0.54; burros: 4.71 ± 0.65). Although cumulative fur and superficial effects increased slightly over time in burros (particularly), and occasional collar migration occurred during summer months, all devices included remote and timed-release mechanisms for safe removal when needed. For equine professionals involved in welfare assessment or population management, these findings suggest that modern GPS collars represent a biologically insignificant welfare concern when subject to regular visual monitoring, offering valuable spatial and behavioural data that can enhance understanding of rangeland ecology and animal management without compromising the health or survival of collared individuals.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Modern GPS collars can be safely used on free-roaming equids for research and monitoring purposes with appropriate design features and regular welfare checks
- •Burros appear more susceptible to minor fur and skin effects than horses; collars should be monitored more frequently on burros and checked especially during summer months when collar slippage occurred
- •Remote and timed-release mechanisms are essential safety features to prevent injury if collars shift position; any collar observed over the ears should be removed immediately
Key Findings
- •No difference in survival between collared and uncollared horses or burros, or their offspring over 4 years
- •Collars maintained proper symmetrical fit in 93.7% of horse and 93.6% of burro observations
- •Fur effects occurred in only 3% of horse observations and 25% of burro observations, with no severe injuries observed
- •Body condition scores were unaffected by collars (horses 4.70±0.54, burros 4.71±0.65), and 98% of horse and 89% of burro observations showed no consequential physical effects