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Mechatronics meets biology: Experiences and first results with a multipurpose small mammal monitoring unit used in red squirrel habitats

Bosch, S.; Spiessl, M.; Müller, M.; Lurz, P. W. W.; Haalboom, T.

Abstract:

Monitoring is a fundamental aspect of species conservation and research. Technological advances, especially with respect to camera trap technologies, have allowed glimpses into unknown aspects of species behaviour and have the potential to greatly assist species distribution monitoring. Here we present the findings of a pilot study combining existing biological monitoring techniques with mechatronics to advance monitoring technologies and develop a multi-purpose, species specific, automated monitoring system. We developed a Small Mammal Monitoring Unit (SMMU) that integrates automated video, and sound recording, carries out body weight measurements and takes hairs samples with a bait station in a portable perspex box. The unit has the potential for use with a range of small mammal species, but has been field-tested here on red squirrels, Sciurus vulgaris, in Germany, Scotland and Switzerland. We successfully collected hair-samples, body mass data as well as video and sound recordings. Preliminary data analyses also revealed behavioural information. Heavier individuals first gained access to the feeder in the morning and have longer feeding bouts. ... mehr


Volltext §
DOI: 10.5445/IR/1000055159
Originalveröffentlichung
DOI: 10.4404/hystrix-26.2-11475
Scopus
Zitationen: 7
Cover der Publikation
Zugehörige Institution(en) am KIT Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Publikationstyp Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Publikationsjahr 2015
Sprache Englisch
Identifikator ISSN: 0394-1914
urn:nbn:de:swb:90-551596
KITopen-ID: 1000055159
Erschienen in Hystrix
Verlag Associazione Teriologica Italiana
Band 26
Heft 2
Seiten 169-172
Schlagwörter red squirrel, monitoring, monitoring device, mechatronics
Nachgewiesen in Web of Science
Scopus
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