Drone Observation for the Quantitative Study of Complex Multilevel Societies

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) have recently been used in various behavioral ecology studies. However, their application has been limited to single groups, and most studies have not implemented individual identification. A multilevel society refers to a social structure in which small stable “core units” gather and make a larger, multiple-unit group. Here, we introduce recent applications of drone technology and individual identification to complex social structures involving multiple groups, such as multilevel societies. Drones made it possible to obtain the identification, accurate positioning, or movement of more than a hundred individuals in a multilevel social group. In addition, in multilevel social groups, drones facilitate the observation of heterogeneous spatial positioning patterns and mechanisms of behavioral propagation, which are different from those in a single-level group. Such findings may contribute to the quantitative definition and assessment of multilevel societies and enhance our understanding of mechanisms of multiple group aggregation. The application of drones to various species may resolve various questions related to multilevel societies.

Editorial: Recent Advances in Animal Cognition and Ethology

“…A simulation of trophallactic networks in ants [ 25 ] revealed the significance of interindividual variability and division of labour in shaping efficient trophallactic networks, enhancing our understanding of self-organisation in ant colonies. Drones were utilised to study multilevel animal societies [ 26 ], providing insights into the positioning patterns and behavioural propagation mechanisms in such groups. Finally, a review paper [ 27 ] highlighted the application of information theory in the analysis of animal behavioural sequences.…”

“…This might be extended to simpler insect models as Drosophila [ 30 , 31 ]. For bigger social species as mammals, drones played a pivotal role in studying complex multilevel animal societies, enabling the identification and tracking of individuals within these groups [ 26 ]. This technology unveiled spatial positioning patterns and behavioural propagation mechanisms in complex social settings.…”

“…Leave-taking behaviour in wild chacma baboons [ 24 ] was investigated using video footage and multivariate analysis, which do not require direct contact with the animals as for the use of drones in studying multilevel animal societies, while groundbreaking, does not compromise animal welfare. Drones provide a non-invasive means of observing and tracking animals within their natural habitats [ 26 ]. Simulation models employed in the trophallactic network study of ants do not involve real animals, thus eliminating ethical concerns related to animal welfare.…”

Long‐term monitoring of huddling behavior in mice using online image processing

“…Field studies primarily use methods such as the global positioning system (GPS) and drones to track the positions of individual animals. 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 On the other hand, laboratory experiments often involve introducing multiple individuals into a limited‐sized behavior cage and tracking their behaviors by using methods such as radio frequency identifiers (RFID) and identity markers. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 …”