Effects of radio collars on wild mice, <i>Mus domesticus</i>

Abstract

Experiments were conducted in the laboratory and in the field to test the effects of radio collars (1.7–1.9 g) on wild house mice (Mus domesticus). There was a decrease in the activity of the collared animals in the laboratory immediately after collar attachment. There were no adverse effects on social interactions in the laboratory, nor on survival for 4–5 days in the field. Provided that the collar is well adjusted, there should be no need to keep wild animals captive for more than 1 h after collar attachment. These results are consistent with those of other researchers on the effect of transmitters on some species of small mammals.