A flexible GPS tracking system for studying bird behaviour at multiple scales

Willem Bouten,Edwin W Baaij,Judy Shamoun-Baranes,Kees C J Camphuysen

doi:10.1007/s10336-012-0908-1

Abstract

Tracking devices and bio-loggers provide cru- cial information on the ecology and behaviour of birds in their natural environment. An optimal tracking system should be lightweight, measure three-dimensional loca- tions, enable flexible measurement schemes, transmit data remotely and measure environmental variables and bio- logical parameters of the individual. Giving full consider- ation to the traits of birds and the constraints of technology, we have developed a GPS tracking system that attempts to achieve most of the aspirations of an optimal tracking system for free ranging birds without the need to recapture them. Here, we describe the design, performance and limitations of the system. We also present measurements on the tracked Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus to show how such a system can generate new opportunities for research at multiple scales. The GPS tracker weighs 12 g and includes a GPS receiver, micro-processor, 4 MB of memory for data storage, solar panel and battery. It has a tri-axial accelerometer to monitor behaviour. To maximize flexibility, it is equipped with a radio transceiver for bi- directional communication with a ground-based antenna network, which enables data to be downloaded and new measurement schemes to be uploaded remotely. The sys- tem facilitates a multi-scale approach to studying bird movement, from fine-scale movements (3-s measurement intervals) to long-distance migratory movements (intervals of 20-30 min) of the same individual. We anticipate that flexible tracking systems that enable researchers to opti- mize their measurement protocols will contribute to revo- lutionizing research on animal behaviour and ecology in the next decade.

Highlights

The use of bio-loggers and tracking devices is allowing scientists to unveil the secrets of time use, movement, behaviour and ecology of free-living animals in ever more detail
Giving full consideration to the traits of birds and the constraints of technology, we have developed a GPS tracking system that attempts to achieve most of the aspirations of an optimal tracking system for free ranging birds without the need to recapture them
We present measurements on the tracked Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus to show how such a system can generate new opportunities for research at multiple scales

Summary

Introduction

The use of bio-loggers and tracking devices is allowing scientists to unveil the secrets of time use, movement, behaviour and ecology of free-living animals in ever more detail. Due to technological innovations the size and mass of animal-attached devices are decreasing, and the use of animal-attached devices to measure geographical position, body movements, physiological parameters and environmental variables is increasing. The device would work reliably for several years and produce accurate measurements throughout the research period. It would measure the geographical location and altitude, speed and direction, and include sensors to monitor behaviour, physiological characteristics such as heart rate and environmental conditions such as temperature or pressure, all at high resolution in time and space. Our imagined optimal tracking device would be easy to use and would cost almost nothing. To facilitate the efficient use of data, the device would be embedded in a dedicated system for data management and analysis

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