AN INTRAPERITONEAL RADIO TRANSMITTER FOR SEA OTTERS

Abstract

A bstract A small intraperitoneal radio transmitter was developed and used successfully in California sea otters. The transmitter weighs about 120 g and has an internal antenna. Thirty‐five implanted transmitters were located for an average of 526 d. The carcasses of five animals that died were recovered; there were no complications associated with the transmitters in these individuals. Reproductive performance of the adult females with implanted transmitters appeared normal. The main advantages of this transmitter are its reliability and long life. It has enabled the collection of significant new information on California sea otters.