Bio-logging: Animal-borne Video Systems and Drones to Study Behaviors of Mammals and Primates

Abstract

The use of bio-logging, which involves collecting ecosystem data by attaching a small sensor and/or wearable camera to a part of the body of wild animals, is increasing in mammal ecology. Image information taken from an animal's own point of view can provide valuable insights into their behaviors, including their preferred habitats, diet, breeding, and competition. Moreover, wild animal studies using unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) also referred to as drones, are increasing especially in recent years. UAS is useful in places inaccessible or inhospitable to researchers, such as deep mountains or above the sea. The presence of species and the number of individuals can be confirmed using the UAS data. However, there are few reports using these methods in primate studies. This review explains what kind of useful information can be obtained in the future for primate researchers studying in the field with reference to previous research and explains the problems and future possibilities of these methods. In the future, technical development and progress is likely to increase the application of animal-borne camera systems and UAS in primate research.