Assessing the effect of radiocollars on juvenile guanaco survival

Abstract 

To evaluate the potential impact of our research activities on guanacos (Lamaguanicoe), we tested for effects of radiocollaring on juvenile (≤1 year of age) survival in Torres del Paine National Park, Chile during 1992–1996. The survival of collared (40.1%) and uncollared (38.2%) juveniles was not significantly different (G=0.08; P=0.77). Our results suggest that radiocollaring does not adversely affect the survival of juvenile guanacos. Although we observed no effect of radiocollaring, we still underline the importance of testing for effects of radiocollars in other wildlife investigations when feasible.