Using technology to study behaviour
Key to most of my research is the development of innovative approaches for using technology to capture behaviour at the temporal and spatial scales that are most relevant for documenting species' responses to environmental change. Below are some of the main technologies that we have worked with. In addition to developing the use of these technologies, the WEB lab also aims to test how different technologies compare and whether behavioural output from each represents the same thing.
Temperature Loggers
Temperature loggers can be used to document the thermal environments that individuals are using. During my MSc and PhD, I attached this technology to red squirrels and developed analytical approaches for extracting thermal refuge use. This technique provided a way for recording nest attendance patterns of squirrels.
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Publications:
Studd EK, Boutin S, McAdam AG, Humphries MM. 2016. Nest attendance of lactating red squirrels: influences of biological and environmental correlates. Journal of Mammalogy, 97(3): 806-814.
Studd EK, Landry-Cuerrier M, Menzies AK, Boutin S, McAdam AG, Dantzer B, Lane JE, Humphries MM. 2019. Behavioral classification of low frequency acceleration and temperature data from a free ranging small mammal. Ecology and Evolution, 9(1): 619-630.
Studd EK, Boutin S, McAdam AG, Humphries MM. 2016. Nest attendance of lactating red squirrels: influences of biological and environmental correlates. Journal of Mammalogy, 97(3): 806-814.
Studd EK, Landry-Cuerrier M, Menzies AK, Boutin S, McAdam AG, Dantzer B, Lane JE, Humphries MM. 2019. Behavioral classification of low frequency acceleration and temperature data from a free ranging small mammal. Ecology and Evolution, 9(1): 619-630.
Accelerometers
When attached to an animal, accelerometers record, at high frequencies, the acceleration of that individual. As each behaviour generates a unique pattern of acceleration, we can convert these acceleration recordings into behavioural states over time. My PhD work explored the applicability of recording at lower frequencies than suggested in the literature for behavioural classifications. This work highlighted that a larger flexibility exists in the use of these devices than previous thought, and provides a means for recording behaviour continuously over long time periods so that ecological processes can be studied.
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Publications:
Studd EK, Landry-Cuerrier M, Menzies AK, Boutin S, McAdam AG, Dantzer B, Lane JE, Humphries MM. 2019. Behavioral classification of low frequency acceleration and temperature data from a free ranging small mammal. Ecology and Evolution, 9(1): 619-630.
Studd EK, Boudreau MR, Majchrzak YN, Menzies AK, Peers MJL, Seguin JL, Lavergne SG, Boonstra R, Murray DL, Boutin S, Humphries MM. 2019. Use of acceleration and acoustics to investigate the influence of moonlight on the behavior of snowshoe hares. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7: 154.
Studd EK*, Derbyshire R*, Menzies AK*, Simms J, Humphries MM, Murray DL, Boutin S. 2021. The Purr-fect Catch: using accelerometers and audio recorders to document kill rates and hunting behaviour of a small prey specialists. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. *denotes equal contribution.
Studd EK, Landry-Cuerrier M, Menzies AK, Boutin S, McAdam AG, Dantzer B, Lane JE, Humphries MM. 2019. Behavioral classification of low frequency acceleration and temperature data from a free ranging small mammal. Ecology and Evolution, 9(1): 619-630.
Studd EK, Boudreau MR, Majchrzak YN, Menzies AK, Peers MJL, Seguin JL, Lavergne SG, Boonstra R, Murray DL, Boutin S, Humphries MM. 2019. Use of acceleration and acoustics to investigate the influence of moonlight on the behavior of snowshoe hares. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7: 154.
Studd EK*, Derbyshire R*, Menzies AK*, Simms J, Humphries MM, Murray DL, Boutin S. 2021. The Purr-fect Catch: using accelerometers and audio recorders to document kill rates and hunting behaviour of a small prey specialists. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. *denotes equal contribution.
Acoustic Recorders
Attaching acoustic recorders to animals provides a new frontier for recording behaviour of free-ranging individuals. These tools are gaining popularity within ecology for quantifying vocalizations, species presences, and soundscapes. An under recognized use is for continually recording behaviour.
During my PhD, I explored what could be gained from using audio over other bio-logging technologies. On both snowshoe hares and Canada lynx, I found that acoustic recorders are valuable tools for recording behaviour, especially when used in conjunction with other technologies. In both species, audio captured behaviour and details, like chewing or hunting success, missed by other technologies. Listen to some lynx audio in this soundscape. |
Publications:
Studd EK, Boudreau MR, Majchrzak YN, Menzies AK, Peers MJL, Seguin JL, Lavergne SG, Boonstra R, Murray DL, Boutin S, Humphries MM. 2019. Use of acceleration and acoustics to investigate the influence of moonlight on the behavior of snowshoe hares. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7: 154.
Studd EK*, Derbyshire R*, Menzies AK*, Simms J, Humphries MM, Murray DL, Boutin S. 2021. The Purr-fect Catch: using accelerometers and audio recorders to document kill rates and hunting behaviour of a small prey specialists. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. *denotes equal contribution.
Studd EK, Boudreau MR, Majchrzak YN, Menzies AK, Peers MJL, Seguin JL, Lavergne SG, Boonstra R, Murray DL, Boutin S, Humphries MM. 2019. Use of acceleration and acoustics to investigate the influence of moonlight on the behavior of snowshoe hares. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 7: 154.
Studd EK*, Derbyshire R*, Menzies AK*, Simms J, Humphries MM, Murray DL, Boutin S. 2021. The Purr-fect Catch: using accelerometers and audio recorders to document kill rates and hunting behaviour of a small prey specialists. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. *denotes equal contribution.