Telemetric heart rate monitoring in free-ranging marmots (Sciuridae)

Knowledge graph centered on Telemetric heart rate monitoring in free-ranging marmots (Sciuridae) with 12 nodes and 36 connections. Top connected: Marmota flaviventris, Marmota monax, Buteo jamaicensis, red-tailed hawk, vigilance behavior.

Method synopsis

Surgical implantation of radio transmitters in the abdominal cavity with electrodes positioned on either side of the heart to monitor heart rate via radio telemetry during natural behaviors. Heart rate data is collected remotely and converted from interpulse intervals to beats per minute.

Synthesized from method descriptions across 1 paper using this protocol.

Procedure as described in the canonical source

Steps below were extracted from the paper that introduces this protocol — Heart rates of free-ranging yellow-bellied marmots (2003), International Network on Marmots. Implementations in other papers (listed below) may differ.

1. Surgical implantation of heart-rate transmitters
   Heart-rate radio transmitters (Telonics) were surgically implanted in the abdominal cavity of adult female marmots. Electrodes were inserted under the skin and pushed anteriorly so that one electrode lay on each side of the heart.
   Quantities: Four adult female yellow-bellied marmotsDuration: Conducted in early JuneConditions: Early June timing for implantation in adult females
   Equipment: Heart-rate radio transmitters (Telonics), surgical equipment
2. Signal detection and recording
   Transmitter signals were detected using a Telonics TR-1-20 receiver. A Telonics TDP-2 digital data processor converted the signals to interpulse intervals measured in milliseconds. The interpulse intervals were then converted to heart rate by dividing the interval in milliseconds into 60 to give heart rate as beats per minute.
   Quantities: Interpulse intervals recorded in milliseconds, converted to beats per minuteDuration: Recordings typically lasted one to two minutes, but frequently extended to four or five minutesConditions: When behavior was clearly expressed
   Equipment: Telonics TR-1-20 receiver, Telonics TDP-2 digital data processor
3. Behavioral observation and data collection
   The behavior and location of animals was determined and interpulse signals were recorded. Heart rates for particular behaviors were recorded when the behavior was clearly expressed. Differences in heart rates were tested using Mann-Whitney or t tests.

Typical Equipment

• Heart-rate radio transmitters (Telonics)
• Telonics TR-1-20 receiver
• Telonics TDP-2 digital data processor

Output Measurements

• heart rate (beats per minute)
• interpulse intervals (milliseconds)

Papers Using This Protocol (1)

Species Studied With This Protocol