Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

26 Mar, 01 PM - 20 Jul, 01 PM

We will capture 20 chuckwallas, 10 males and 10 females by hand, or noose from rocks. Using this method, no rocks will be moved or destroyed. Once captured, we will record the mass, and snout to vent lengths of all lizards. We will also collect small blood samples from the orbital sinus of each animal only after applying a topical anesthetic to the eye. This process is very quick and minimally invasive, and can be done in less than one minute. After blood and measurements are taken, the animals will be fitted with a temperature sensitive data logger (iButton), and radio transmitter. To do so we will: (1) apply a protective skin spray (Smith and Nephew Skin Prep) to the upper torso and back, (2) secure an iButton to the lizards chest using medical tape, (3) fit the lizard with Gaffer tape in the shape of a vest, complete with arm holes to allow the normal range of motion, (4) fit the radio transmitter to the upper dorsal region using one last layer of gaffer tape. After the lizards are fitted with iButtons and radio transmitters, they will be released where they were captured, and allowed to resume their normal activities. We will carefully navigate the landscape to locate the individuals daily, and observe them from a reasonable distance. Lizards will be recaptured roughly once per month to replace iButtons and/or to repair vests until the termination of the study. At the end of the study, all animals will be recaptured to remove data loggers, transmitters, and tape vests. They will then be released at the site of capture.

Visit #44708 @Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center

Approved

Under Project # 32816 | Research

Thermoregulation by chuckwallas

faculty - California State University (CSU), Fullerton

Reservation Members(s)

Chris Tracy Mar 26 - Jul 20, 2016 (117 days)
Emily Sanchez Mar 26 - Jul 20, 2016 (117 days)
Tomas Kneppers Mar 26 - Jul 20, 2016 (117 days)
Trevor Ruppert Mar 26 - Jul 20, 2016 (117 days)

Reserve Resources(s) | Create Invoice

Mayhew housing facilities 2 Mar 26 - Jul 20, 2016