Relationship between home range characteristics and the probability of obtaining successful global positioning system (GPS) collar positions for elk in New Mexico

We compared the ability of global positioning system (GPS) radio collars de ployed on elk (Cervus elaphus nelsoni) to obtain valid positions (position acquisition rate [PARI) in seasonal home ranges with differing vegetation a nd topographical characteristics. We also compared CPS collar PARs under va rying levels of cloud cover and within differing daily time periods. We rec orded a mean PAR of 69% (n = 10 elk, s = 14%) for collared elk. Multiple re gression analysis of seasonal home range characteristics indicated that veg etation cover type and slope, either as individual variables or in combinat ion with one another were not significant predictors of GPS collar PARs. We did not observe statistical differences in position acquisition rates betw een cloud cover classes or varying cloud base heights. PAR was significantl y higher between 1600 h and 2000 h (mountain standard time) compared to 000 0 h-1200 h, which ma, have been due to elk behavior. We believe using GPS c ollars is a more effective and efficient method of tracking elk in our stud y area than using very-high-frequency (VHF) collars since GPS collars can b e programmed to obtain fixes automatically, have fewer logistical problems, and are more economical with long-term data collection efforts.