The VIT is equipped with a temperature sensor. When it is warm and happy, it beeps (a radio signal) slowly to save battery power. When the temperature changes or drops, the signal speeds up making it easier to locate.
Each VIT is also paired with a GPS collar. When the temperature sensor in the VIT changes, the collar then sends an email message to the researcher.
The VIT/collar pair will also alert us if the VIT and collar are separated regardless of temperature. A doe’s neck and vagina are only so far apart, you know.
If everything works as it is designed, it is quite amazing and invaluable in finding newborn fawns on a challenging landscape.
Source: Deer Porn — Deer-Forest Study — Penn State University
