Abstract:

Objective: In this study, the satellite tracking data of Oriental stork was used to analyze the effects of different breeding populations, tracker models, attachment methods and device weights on the working time of the satellite trackers and survive probability of the birds, which aimed to provide basic information for the design and attachment of satellite trackers for large waterbirds such as storks and cranes in the future. Method: From 2014 to 2022, satellite trackers were attached on 149 fledgling Oriental storks in the Sanjiang Plain, the Songnen Plain and the Yellow River Delta in Shandong Province. The weight of the tracker was 0.76% ± 0.23% of the weight of the corresponding tracked juvenile bird, and it did not exceed 3% of the weight of the tracked individual. Survival analysis which specifically targeted at time-to-events data was used to explore the effects of different factors on juvenile mortality and device failure. Result: The larger the proportion of tracker weight to bird weight, the higher the individual's risk of death. With technological advancements, the annual failure rate of the new device reduced by 27% compared to the previous year. Factors such as different populations and attaching styles had no significant impact on the survival probability and equipment failure rate of juvenile birds. Conclusion: Priority should be given to trackers that have the least impact on animal behavior, and the satellite tracker should be developed towards a smaller volume and weight, a longer service life, and the ability to detach at regular intervals.

Key words: Oriental stork, fledgling, survival rate, satellite tracker, influence factors