A Radio-telemetric study of Varanus salvator in Samarahan Division, Sarawak and limitations of radio-telemetry in the tropics

• Main Author: Marius Joscha, Maiwald
• Format: Final Year Project Report
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS) 2015
• Subjects: Q Science (General); QL Zoology
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/32660/2/Marius.pdf; http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/32660/
• Institution: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

Varanus salvator (Laurenti) is an important predator in south-east Asian ecosystems. The present study, conducted from July to December 2015, aimed at looking at home range of two individual V. salvator in Samarahan Division, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, with the use of radio telemetry. Home range polygons were created for two individuals based on observations, and show overlapping ranges and utilization of several microhabitats within the respective range. Furthermore, data were taken and analyzed on the operating range of radio telemetric technology in tropical areas. The data allow assumption that the operating range of the tested radio transmitters does not differ significantly under tropical weather conditions when compared to the manufacturer's statement. Dense growths and buildings however, do have an impact on the range that needs to be considered when conducting radiotelemetric studies.