Biology subjects

Koelpin, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Koelpin, A..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2020

Simultaneous monitoring of the same animals with PIT-tags and sensor nodes causes no system interference

Recent technological advances have multiplied the variety of biologgers used in wildlife research, particularly with small-bodied animals. PIT-tags 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 foraging 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 radio-frequency identification (RFID) is hampered when an additional biologging sensor node is attached to the same animal, and whether data transmission by the sensor node is affected by the RFID antenna. The combination of this RFID-system and a wireless biologging network works without error, suggesting that systems using similar mechanisms should also work together properly. 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 from individuals not present at RFID reader stations.View Full Text

zoology↗

bioRxiv2019

Thinking small: next-generation sensor networks close the size gap in vertebrate biologging

Recent advances in animal tracking technology have ushered in a new era in biologging. However, the considerable size of many sophisticated biologging devices restricts their application to larger animals, while old-fashioned techniques often still represent the state-of-the-art for studying small vertebrates. In industrial applications, low-power wireless sensor networks fulfill requirements similar to those needed to monitor animal behavior at high resolution and at low tag weight. We developed a wireless biologging network (WBN), which enables simultaneous direct proximity sensing, high-resolution tracking, and long-range remote data download at tag weights of one to two grams. Deployments to study wild bats created social networks and flight trajectories of unprecedented quality. Our developments highlight the vast capabilities of WBNs and their potential to close an important gap in biologging: fully automated tracking and proximity sensing of small animals, even in closed habitats, at high spatial and temporal resolution.

animal behavior and cognition↗

bioRxiv2018

Proximity sensors reveal social information transfer in maternity colonies of Greater noctule bats

O_LIBats are a highly gregarious taxon suggesting that social information should be readily available for making decision. Social information transfer in maternity colonies might be a particularly efficient mechanism for naive pups to acquire information on resources from informed adults. However, such behaviour is difficult to study in the wild, in particular in elusive and small-bodied animals such as bats.\nC_LIO_LIThe goal of this study was to investigate the role of social information in acquiring access to two types of resources, which are crucial in the life of a juvenile bat: suitable roosting sites and fruitful feeding grounds. We hypothesized that fledging offspring will make use of social information by following informed members of the social groups to unknown roosts or foraging sites.\nC_LIO_LIIn the present study we applied for the first time the newly developed miniaturized proximity sensor system BATS, a fully automated system for documenting associations among individual bats both while roosting and while on the wing. We quantified associations among juveniles and other group member while switching roosts and during foraging.\nC_LIO_LIWe found clear evidence for information transfer while switching roosts, mainly among juveniles and their genetically identified mothers. Anecdotal observations suggest intentional guidance behaviour by mothers, indicated by repeated commuting flights among the pup and the target roost. Infrequent, short meetings with colony members other than the mother indicate local enhancement at foraging sites, but no intentional information transfer.\nC_LIO_LIOur study illustrates how advances in technology enable researchers to solve long-standing puzzles. Miniaturized proximity sensors facilitate the automated collection of continuous data sets and represent an ideal tool to gain novel insights into the sociobiology of elusive and small-bodied species.\nC_LI

animal behavior and cognition↗