Convoluted shorelines confound diel-range estimates of radio-tracked fish
Understanding the spatial ecology of animals is an important part of conserving biodiversity. In this context, manual radio‐tracking is a primary means for understanding the movement of freshwater fish. Our aim was to determine the suitability of using linear or area‐based estimates to quantify diel use of space by Macquarie perch, Macquaria australasica (Percichthyidae), in a reservoir. Area‐based estimates were calculated as minimum convex polygons (MCPs). Four‐hourly radio‐tracking of 23 adults within diel periods resulted in 136 pairs of linear and area‐based estimates. We encountered problems with MCPs that were not associated with outlying radio‐fixes. MCPs were more likely to overlap with land as the extent of an individual’s range increased. Corrections were applied to account for land intersecting with MCPs (33.1% of cases); however, underestimates of diel range occurred in most of these cases. MCPs were also small despite substantial movement along one dimension if individuals occupied only straight‐edged sections of the reservoir and did not traverse bays or peninsulas (8.1% of estimates). Mean (±s.e.) diel‐range length was 516 ± 89 m (n = 23) and records varied from 6 to 1972 m. In waterways with convoluted shorelines, linear estimates of diel range are more reliable than area‐based estimates derived from manual radio‐tracking.