Automated data analysis to rapidly derive and communicate ecological insights from satellite-tag data: a case study of reintroduced red kites.
Analysis of satellite-telemetry data mostly occurs long after it has been collected, due to the time and effort needed to collate and interpret such material. Delayed reporting reduces the usefulness of such data for nature conservation where timely information about animal movements is required. To counter this problem, we present a novel approach which combines automated analysis of satellite-telemetry data with rapid communication of insights derived from such data. A relatively simple algorithm (based on radial and angular velocity calculated from fixes) allowed instantaneous detection of excursions away from settlement areas and automated calculation of home ranges on the remaining data. Automating the detection of both excursions and home-range calculations enabled us to disseminate ecological insights from satellite-tag data instantaneously through a dedicated web portal. The automated analysis, interpretation, and communication of satellite-tag and other ecological data offer clear benefits to nature conservation research and practice.
Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK. r.vanderwal@abdn.ac.uk.
René
R
van der Wal
Computing Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, UK. cheng.zeng@abdn.ac.uk.
Cheng
C
Zeng
Aberdeen Centre for Environmental Sustainability, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK. d.heptinstall@abdn.ac.uk.
Danny
D
Heptinstall
ARRIA R&D, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building G05E, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, UK. kapila.anurudda@gmail.com.
Kapila
K
Ponnamperuma
Computing Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, UK. c.mellish@abdn.ac.uk.
Chris
C
Mellish
RSPB North Scotland, Etive House, Beechwood Park, Inverness, IV2 3BW, UK. stuart.benn@rspb.org.uk.
Stuart
S
Ben
Computing Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB24 3UE, UK. advaith@abdn.ac.uk.
Advaith
A
Siddharthan
D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing / Q000379:methods*; D046093:Falconiformes / Q000502:physiology*; D006702:Homing Behavior; D058998:Remote Sensing Technology; D012606:Scotland; D013686:Telemetry
Automated home-range calculation; Red kite reintroduction; Satellite-tag data; Science communication