FORCE-FED-RADIOTRANSMITTER TECHNIQUE FOR FINDING REFUGED LIZARDS

We tested the force-fed-radiotransmitter technique on six adult collared lizards Crotaphytus collaris. We located lizards within their nocturnal refuges using a hand-held Yagi antenna and a portable radioreceiver, and we verified their exact position with a borescope 17 times in 18 trials. Retention time of radiotransmitters in digestive tracts was 3-4 days. There was no effect on digestion. This technique is best for studies of medium to large lizards that refuge in tight spaces and consequently may rub off externally placed transmitters.