Deep Body Temperature of Untethered Dolphin Recorded by Ingested Radio Transmitter

Abstract

Information concerning body temperature was recorded by radio transmission from within a dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, swimming freely in a pool. The temperature varied according to the activity of the animal and appeared to oscillate when the dolphin was returned to the pool after a brief period outside it. The transmitter was passed approximately 17 hours after it had been swallowed. A new type of antenna was used with the circuit. The transmitter can be adapted for telemetering heart beat, movement, aquatic animals.