Limitations of using surrogates for behaviour classification of accelerometer data: refining methods using random forest models in Caprids.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Animal-attached devices can be used on cryptic species to measure their movement and behaviour, enabling unprecedented insights into fundamental aspects of animal ecology and behaviour. However, direct observations of subjects are often still necessary to translate biologging data accurately into meaningful behaviours. As many elusive species cannot easily be observed in the wild, captive or domestic surrogates are typically used to calibrate data from devices. However, the utility of this approach remains equivocal.

Methods

Here, we assess the validity of using captive conspecifics, and phylogenetically-similar domesticated counterparts (surrogate species) for calibrating behaviour classification. Tri-axial accelerometers and tri-axial magnetometers were used wit

SUBMITTER: Dickinson ER 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8186069 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature