Abstract
Recent technological advances have multiplied the variety of biologgers used in wildlife research, particularly with small-bodied animals. Passive integrated transponders (PIT) have been used for decades to log visits of tagged animals at reader-equipped artificial feeders or roost boxes. More recently, novel miniaturized sensor nodes can collect data on social encounters among tagged individuals in any location. Combining these systems allows researchers to gather high-resolution tracking data on certain individuals from their long-term PIT-tagged animal populations. However, there can be a risk of interference among tracking systems. Here we tested whether placing an additional biologging sensor on top of a PIT tag might attenuate the magnetic field reaching the PIT tag and, in turn, hamper reading success of the radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader. We also evaluated data transmission by a digital sensor node in the presence of a magnetic field created by the RFID antenna. The combination of this RFID system and wireless biologging sensors works without error, suggesting that the simultaneous use of PIT tags and other digital biologgers, e.g., miniaturized GPS-loggers, should also work together properly when communication channels do not overlap. The combination of long-term monitoring with PIT tags and short-term tracking with biologging sensor nodes creates exciting new opportunities to gather rich social data when individuals are not present at RFID reader stations.
Highlights
Biologging devices enable researchers to remotely gather information on the behavior or physiology of free-ranging animals by means of animal-born tags
Radio-frequency identification of the Passive integrated transponders (PIT) tag injected in the dummy was successful in 100 of 100 cases in all three conditions
The magnetic field of the coil antenna of the PIT tag reader did not cause packet loss
Summary
Biologging devices enable researchers to remotely gather information on the behavior or physiology of free-ranging animals by means of animal-born tags. Recent technological advances have led to the miniaturization of these devices, creating new opportunities for studies of small animals (Ripperger et al, 2020) Another key advance in ‘next-generation’ biologgers is a diverse array of sensors such as accelerometers, magnetometers, or air pressure sensors, which autonomously collect and process data and give additional insights into the animal’s behavior, performance, body posture, or flight height (O'Mara et al, 2019; Williams et al, 2017). A potential attenuation could hamper the identification of tagged bats since the PIT tag draws the power for data transmission from the magnetic field of the coil antenna Another possible but less likely concern is whether the magnetic field from the RFID antenna will affect the functionality of the second digital device, since strong magnetic fields may impact MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical System)-based sensors. We found that when a biologging sensor node was attached to the skin directly on top of a subcutaneous PIT tag, data transmission was not reduced in either system
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