Using Radio‐Frequency Identification Technology to Monitor Eurasian Beavers

ABSTRACT The use of radio‐frequency identification (RFID) offers new potential in remote wildlife monitoring to reduce the invasive nature studies requiring direct contact with study animals. Facilitated by emergence technology, RFID can remotely identify individual animals implanted passive‐integrated‐transponder (PIT) tags. We aimed establish and assess a technique for noninvasively wild population semi‐aquatic mammal, Eurasian beaver ( Castor fiber ). A fixed reader was installed from June 2018 July 2019 at lodges within territories 8 family‐groups Vestfold Telemark, Norway, 3 nights per lodge, antennas lodge entrances. Microchipped beavers were detected when entering or leaving lodge. family‐group size recorded using compared known based on live capture records observations. smaller than size. However, testing suggested that individuals inhabiting had high probability detection (98.44%). Fixed readers are effective where focal point is appropriate, unique applications species fidelity dens, exhibit central‐place foraging behavior. Research through PIT tag should be given priority noninvasive monitoring. Whereas may not record entire family‐groups, they provide an accurate efficient alternative other techniques. © 2021 Authors. Wildlife Society Bulletin published Wiley Periodicals LLC behalf Society.