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GPS tracker trial on kea (Nestor notabilis) at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park [PRE-PUBLICATION]

  • Publication Type

    Journal Article

  • Publication Year

    2025

  • Author(s)

    Greene, T.C.; Krouse, S.; Goodman, T.; Williams, E.M.

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    72, 2

  • Pagination

    97-105

  • Article Type

    Paper

  • DOI

    https://doi.org/10.63172/410134zowhso

Keywords

telemetry, cell networks, solar charging, mobility, home-range, behaviour


GPS tracker trial on kea (Nestor notabilis) at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park [PRE-PUBLICATION]

Notornis, 72 (2), 97-105

Greene, T.C.; Krouse, S.; Goodman, T.; Williams, E.M. (2025)

Article Type: Paper

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Understanding the drivers for the seasonal movements of kea at landscape scales is critical to their conservation. Recent developments and increasing use of Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers prompted a small-scale trial on kea (Nestor notabilis) in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park during October 2021 to February 2022. We attached a solar charged Druid Debut Lego™ tracker to four birds: two nesting females, a juvenile male and a recently fledged male. One tracker, with a raised solar panel, transmitted data by 3G cell phone network and the others sent data by 2G GSM cell phone network. The two trackers with raised solar panels collected and transmitted substantially more data than the flush-mounted solar panels. Location data was mapped, and elevation, distances travelled, 24-hour movement patterns and activity behaviour were analysed. The limitations of these GPS trackers are discussed, and recommendations are made for future use of GPS trackers on kea where topographic shading, power consumption, satellite reception, and data transmission are likely to remain significant challenges.