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Environmental monitoring and assessment2018; 190(2); 75; doi: 10.1007/s10661-018-6463-3

Integrating direct observation and GPS tracking to monitor animal behavior for resource management.

Abstract: Monitoring the behavior of pack animals in protected areas informs management about use patterns and the potential associated negative impacts. However, systematic assessments of behavior are uncommon due to methodological and logistical constraints. This study integrated behavior mapping with GPS tracking, and applied behavior change point analysis, as an approach to monitor the behaviors of pack animals during overnight periods. The integrated approach identified multiple grazing patterns (i.e., locally intense grazing, ambulatory grazing) not feasible through a single methodology alone. Monitoring behavior and corresponding environmental conditions aid managers in implementing strategies designed to mitigate impacts associated with pack animals in natural areas. Results also contrast the influence of temporal scale on behavior segmentation to inform decisions for further monitoring and management of domestic animal use and impacts in natural areas. This integrated approach reduced time and logistical constraints of each method individually to promote ongoing monitoring and highlight how multiple management tactics could reduce impacts to sensitive habitats.
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Publication Date: 2018-01-10 PubMed ID: 29322276DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-6463-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research aimed to improve animal resource management by combining behavior mapping with GPS tracking to monitor behaviors of pack animals overnight, providing insights that would help mitigate potential negative impacts on natural areas.

Methodology

  • The study utilized a technique where direct observation of animals’ behavior was combined with GPS (Global Positioning System) tracking. The integration allowed for accurate monitoring of pack animals’ activities throughout the night.
  • A behavior change point analysis method was used for the research. This statistical approach identifies points in a data sequence where behavioral patterns change, providing key information on when and where different behaviors occur.

Findings

  • The integrated approach unearthed several grazing patterns like locally intense grazing and ambulatory grazing, which wouldn’t have been identified using a single method.
  • The study found that monitoring the behavior of animals along with the environmental conditions could greatly assist conservationists and park managers in coming up with strategies to reduce the negative impacts associated with pack animals in natural areas.

Implications

  • The study’s results put into contrast how the temporal scale affects behavior segmentation, providing critical data for decisions related to further monitoring and management of domestic animal use in natural areas.
  • By integrating two separate methodologies, the research decreased the time and logistical constraints associated with each method. This not only allowed for regular monitoring but also showcased how several management tactics could be used simultaneously to decrease impacts on sensitive habitats.

Conclusion

  • The research demonstrates the benefits of integrating GPS tracking with behavior mapping for nightly surveillance of pack animals.
  • This novel approach in park management can greatly aid in developing targeted strategies to prevent or mitigate any possibly detrimental consequences on the natural environments, hence preserving the ecosystems for future generations.

Cite This Article

APA
Walden-Schreiner C, Leung YF, Kuhn T, Newburger T. (2018). Integrating direct observation and GPS tracking to monitor animal behavior for resource management. Environ Monit Assess, 190(2), 75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6463-3

Publication

Environmental monitoring and assessment
ISSN: 1573-2959
NlmUniqueID: 8508350
Country: Netherlands
Language: English
Volume: 190
Issue: 2
Pages: 75

Researcher Affiliations

Walden-Schreiner, Chelsey
  • Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, CB 8004, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA.
Leung, Yu-Fai
  • Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, North Carolina State University, CB 8004, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA. Leung@ncsu.edu.
Kuhn, Tim
  • Division of Resources Management and Science, U.S. National Park Service, Yosemite National Park, El Portal, CA, 95318, USA.
Newburger, Todd
  • Division of Resources Management and Science, U.S. National Park Service, Yosemite National Park, El Portal, CA, 95318, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal
  • California
  • Conservation of Natural Resources / methods
  • Ecosystem
  • Equidae
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Horses
  • Parks, Recreational

Grant Funding

  • CESU Task Agreement P14AC01493 / National Park Service

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Pikuła R, Zaborski D, Grzesiak W, Smugała M. An analysis of the annual mobility of Polish Konik horses depending on habitat, season, and time of the day. Arch Anim Breed 2022;65(3):239-247.
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