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Tracking animal migration with stable isotopes

Keith Alan Hobson

Leonard I. Wassenaar

Radioactive Tracers Tracking And Trailing Stable Isotopes In Ecological Research

Many questions in animal biology require the ability to track animal movement by using multi-disciplinary and technological innovations. Over the past decade, intrinsic chemical markers have become especially key in the study of migration. Stable isotopes are a successful example of instrinic markers that have yielded new and valuable insights into animal migration. This book provides a consolidated overview of the current knowlesge of stable isotopes in terrestrial migration research questions, and to provide a practical handbook for those considering using stable isotopes in their migration research. * Presents information for readers to understand how to apply isotopic methods for tracking * Critical information on areas for future research * Practical guidelines and discussions of sample collection, sample preparation, isotope-ratio mass spectrometry data analysis, and issues of isotopic exchange and heterogeneity * Enhanced understanding of data and statistical analysis in isotope-based studies of migratory animals.