Why catch when you can throw?: A framework for tagging animals without capture or restraint

Abstract

The use of electronic tags has significantly advanced our understanding of wild animal behaviour and physiology. However, traditional tagging methods often require capturing and restraining or sedating animals, which causes stress and may potentially affect data quality during acclimatization. Inspired by plant burs, we propose a novel ‘bur-tagging’ system to attach tags without capture or restraint. We outline a framework for bur-tagging, detailing the design and key considerations for its success. This includes the influence of tagging site location and animal neophobia on the likelihood of tagging over time, strategies to target specific species, and methods to improve tag placement accuracy. The choice of adhesive mechanism and application force are discussed as critical factors for effective attachment. Preliminary trials highlight animal reactions to inactive tagging systems, demonstrating ways to minimize stress and increase tagging efficiency. Field tests on domestic animals and wild canids in Greece suggest that bur-tagging is a viable alternative to conventional methods. While still in development, bur-tagging has the potential to deploy advanced electronic tags on wild animals with reduced stress and greater ethical consideration, offering a promising tool for wildlife research. This innovative approach bridges biology and technology to address challenges in animal tagging.