RADIO
COLLAR - SCI & TECH
News:
Why Kuno cheetahs are at
extra risk due to radio collars
What's
in the news?
● After
two cheetahs died of suspected septicaemia from festering neck wounds caused by
radio collars in Kuno last week, similar injuries have been spotted in at least
another three animals — Oban, Elton, and Freddie.
Collars
on animals:
● Collars
on animals refer to devices worn around
the neck or attached to the neck area of an animal. These collars serve
various purposes depending on the specific context and the type of animal
involved.
Radio
Collars and Cheetahs:
● Radio
collars are like tracking collars which utilizes radio signals for monitoring
animals.
● They
are commonly used in wildlife research
to gather information about animal movements, home ranges, and social
interactions.
● Radio
collars can provide valuable insights into the behaviour and ecology of animals
in the wild.
Issues
with Collars on Animals:
● Carrying
a device on the body for an extended period can have adverse effects.
● A
study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research highlighted
the higher presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the wrists of watch
wearers, which can lead to sepsis or death.
● Similarly,
domestic dogs often develop acute moist
dermatitis or hot spots under collars, worsened by tick or flea bites.
● Moreover,
tight-fitting collars can cause pressure
necrosis and hair loss around the neck, resembling bedsores.
Go
back to basics:
Different
types of Collars:
1.
Identification Collars:
● Collars
with tags or labels are often used on domestic pets such as dogs and cats for
identification purposes.
2.
Tracking Collars:
● Tracking
collars are commonly used in wildlife research and conservation Equipped with
GPS or radio transmitters - monitor movement and behaviour of animals.
3.
Electric Fencing Collars:
● To
train livestock and other animals to avoid crossing designated boundaries.
Electric fencing systems and deliver a mild electric shock.
4.
Training Collars:
● Training
collars, also known as e-collars or shock collars, are used in dog training to
aid in obedience training or behaviour correction - mild electrical stimulation
or vibrations to reinforce desired actions.