Proposal for an ideal method for attaching animal-borne data loggers to freshwater turtles

Abstract

Biologging involves the use of animal-borne data loggers to investigate behavioral ecology and physiology, and is widely used in various taxonomic groups, including freshwater turtles. Two methods of attachment of the logger were used in previous studies on freshwater turtles. Technological advances have led to a variety of devices and experimental periods and their characteristics vary depending on each species of turtle. Thus, the ideal attachment method for each species and experimental purpose should be considered. This study proposes a new method that utilizes quick-setting epoxy to bond the carapace to a basement. We conducted field experiments on a wild Reeves’ pond turtle and a wild red-eared slider. The new method was used for the pond turtle and the traditional approach of drilling holes in the carapace for attaching the logger with cable ties was used for the slider. The data logger was deployed on the pond turtle for > 3 h and on the slider for 26 days. Results revealed that the movement speed of the pond turtle and the dynamic acceleration of the slider tended to be small in the periods from sunset to sunrise. Although the duration of attachment in the new method was short compared to previous studies, results show that the method is useful for repeatedly attaching and removing the device from turtles, as it is simple and noninvasive.