As part of a larger study examining amphibian habitat use, I plan to use
i-buttons
to measure temperature differences in small burrows related to vegetation
differences between land use types. I could use actual burrows that are out
there,
but I am worried about several issues: small mammals and other inhabitants
absconding with the buttons, not all areas have burrows because of soil
compaction,
and experimentally artificial burrows would be more reasonable to compare.
Has anyone made artificial burrows for measuring temperature? How did you do
it?
Im thinking of burying a length of narrow PVC pipe at an angle. I would then
glue
the button to a string attached at the entrance so it rested down the pipe at a
standard distance and it would be easy to retrieve to upload data (can you glue
the
buttons and still upload data?). I thought by using narrow pipe I would be less
likely to have a rattlesnake take up residence (there are loads of rattlesnakes
in
this area).
Id be happy to hear from anyone who has insights or experience on this sort of
technique. Please respond to me off-list. If there is enough interest I will
post
a summary of responses.
Thanks!
Kerry Griffis-Kyle
Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences
New Mexico State University
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