In Situ Training of Brushtail Possums to use Microchip‐automated Doors. (13th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Watson, Shania J.; Hoy, Julia M.; Edwards, Megan C.; Murray, Peter J.
• Is Part Of: Wildlife Society bulletin. Volume 45:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 390
• Page End: 395
• Publication Date: 2021-09-13
• Subjects: microchip‐automation -- nest boxes -- resource supplementation -- RFID -- training -- wildlife; Wildlife management -- Periodicals; Wildlife conservation -- Periodicals; 333.9540973
• DOI: 10.1002/wsb.1217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-7648

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Individually‐targeted resource supplementation for wildlife is difficult to achieve due to the challenge of excluding nontarget animals. The use of microchip‐automated technology has the potential to improve conservation outcomes globally by facilitating targeted food and nesting, offering a refuge from predators, and decreasing competition. Eight wild‐born brushtail possums ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) were trained in situ to use commercially available microchip‐automated doors installed on nest boxes placed within 5 m of their most used nesting site. Training to use the microchip‐automated door was conducted in 3 stages where the position of the door was lowered in sequential stages until it was fully closed at stage 3. Training was deemed complete at each stage when the possum entered the nest box on 2 separate nights. Seven of the 8 possums completed training. Successful training demonstrated that free‐living possums can be trained to use microchip‐automated technology in situ, thus avoiding stress, costs, and biosecurity risks associated with bringing wild animals into captivity for training. Training methods can be extrapolated to a wider range of species to assist with wildlife management from reintroductions to sustaining reduced populations. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. Abstract : The use of microchip‐automated technology has the potential to improve conservation outcomes globally by facilitating targeted food and nesting, offering a refuge from predators, and decreasing competition. We successfully trained 7 adult wild‐born brushtail possums ( Trichosurus vulpecula ) in situ to use commercially available microchip‐automated pet doors installed on nest boxes. Microchip‐automated technology has the potential to improve conservation outcomes.