The short-term effect of radio-packages on a free-ranging large herbivore,the northern hairy-nosed wombat

The short-term effect of radio-packages on the activity of the northern hai ry-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus krefftii, was investigated using activity data -loggers. Adjustment to the radio-package occurred between 10 and 18 days f ollowing capture and fitting of the radio-package. Following the adjustment period, activity levels were some 84-97% less than that of the initial act ivity level after the attachment of the radio-package. We believe that the adjustment period needs to be considered in studies involving the attachmen t of radio-packages.