The Internet of Animals: what it is, what it could be

Kays, Roland; Wikelski, Martin

doi:10.1016/j.tree.2023.04.007

Cited by 25 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 65 publications

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“…Novel surveillance approaches using resources such as mobile phones [ 54 ] and citizen science [ 55 ] have recently emerged to reduce the detection time of the first cases. At a time when biologging technologies have entered a golden age [ 11 , 56 ], providing us with unprecedented details regarding the life and behaviour of wild animals [ 13 ], it seems appropriate to further develop sentinel programmes in which animals are fitted with tracking devices. Recently, high-resolution biologgers deployed on sentinel animals have shown promising results in detecting poaching events [ 57 ] or earthquake risk in seismic zones [ 10 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accelerometer-based detection of African swine fever infection in wild boar

Morelle,

Barasona,

Bosch

et al. 2023

Proc. R. Soc. B.

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Infectious wildlife diseases that circulate at the interface with domestic animals pose significant threats worldwide and require early detection and warning. Although animal tracking technologies are used to discern behavioural changes, they are rarely used to monitor wildlife diseases. Common disease-induced behavioural changes include reduced activity and lethargy (‘sickness behaviour’). Here, we investigated whether accelerometer sensors could detect the onset of African swine fever (ASF), a viral infection that induces high mortality in suids for which no vaccine is currently available. Taking advantage of an experiment designed to test an oral ASF vaccine, we equipped 12 wild boars with an accelerometer tag and quantified how ASF affects their activity pattern and behavioural fingerprint, using overall dynamic body acceleration. Wild boars showed a daily reduction in activity of 10–20% from the healthy to the viremia phase. Using change point statistics and comparing healthy individuals living in semi-free and free-ranging conditions, we show how the onset of disease-induced sickness can be detected and how such early detection could work in natural settings. Timely detection of infection in animals is crucial for disease surveillance and control, and accelerometer technology on sentinel animals provides a viable complementary tool to existing disease management approaches.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Accelerometer-based detection of African swine fever infection in wild boar

Morelle,

Barasona,

Bosch

et al. 2023

Proc. R. Soc. B.

Self Cite

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“…Many modern cars are fitted with high-resolution cameras, lidar and radar systems that are capable of detecting insects. Conceivably, there is future potential for a global network of millions of cars counting insects [ 90 ], although the provision of feedback to public participants will be crucial in evolving this into engaging citizen science (rather than just extracting data from sensors). Already, researchers have used Google Street View images to map the distribution of insects such as the pine processionary moth ( Thaumetopoea pityocampa ) from its easily detectable larval nests in pine trees [ 91 ], and citizen science annotations provide crucial datasets for training the algorithms [ 92 ].…”

Section: Technology As An Enabler—opening Up New Research Avenuesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…By combining data streams with artificial intelligence, projects like BirdCast and Whale Safe are guiding people to take action that optimally benefits nature by turning off lights at night or reducing ship speed, respectively, to protect migrating animals at critical times and places [ 112 , 113 ]. Connecting live streams leads to the development of the ‘Internet of animals’, which is currently mostly employed for vertebrates [ 90 ]. Such real-time monitoring also contributes to the development of digital twins of landscapes, which comprise statistical and mechanistic models that are continuously calibrated with real-world data [ 114 ].…”

Section: Technology As a Transformer—rethinking Science And Collabora...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring

Sheard,

Adriaens,

Bowler

et al. 2024

Phil. Trans. R. Soc. B

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Emerging technologies are increasingly employed in environmental citizen science projects. This integration offers benefits and opportunities for scientists and participants alike. Citizen science can support large-scale, long-term monitoring of species occurrences, behaviour and interactions. At the same time, technologies can foster participant engagement, regardless of pre-existing taxonomic expertise or experience, and permit new types of data to be collected. Yet, technologies may also create challenges by potentially increasing financial costs, necessitating technological expertise or demanding training of participants. Technology could also reduce people's direct involvement and engagement with nature. In this perspective, we discuss how current technologies have spurred an increase in citizen science projects and how the implementation of emerging technologies in citizen science may enhance scientific impact and public engagement. We show how technology can act as (i) a facilitator of current citizen science and monitoring efforts, (ii) an enabler of new research opportunities, and (iii) a transformer of science, policy and public participation, but could also become (iv) an inhibitor of participation, equity and scientific rigour. Technology is developing fast and promises to provide many exciting opportunities for citizen science and insect monitoring, but while we seize these opportunities, we must remain vigilant against potential risks. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Towards a toolkit for global insect biodiversity monitoring’.

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“…Yet, our understanding of these dynamics is often constrained by the limitations of traditional observational methods, which usually include direct observation of animals, especially in studies of free-living animals where focal animals are typically only observed for a snapshot in time or only specific behaviors are recorded. In this context, the advent of biological logging (sensor) technologies, animal-borne devices ("wearables"), and new analytical strategies has opened up unprecedented possibilities for studying the complex social behavior of animals, especially in naturalistic environments [1], [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Wireless Wearable Ecosystem for Social Network Analysis in Free-living Animals

Gaidica,

Zhang,

Dantzer

2024

Preprint

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Understanding the dynamics of animal social systems requires studying variation in contact and interaction, which is influenced by environmental conditions, resource availability, and predation risk, among other factors. Traditional (direct) observational methods have limitations, but advancements in sensor technologies and data analytics provide unprecedented opportunities to study these complex systems in naturalistic environments. Proximity logging and tracking devices, capturing movement, temperature, and social interactions, offer non-invasive means to quantify behavior and develop empirical models of animal social networks. However, challenges remain in integrating different data types, incorporating more sensor modalities, and addressing logistical constraints. To address these gaps, we developed a wireless wearable sensor system with novel features (called "Juxta"), including modular battery packs, memory management for combining data types, reconfigurable deployment modes, and a smartphone app for data collection. We present data from a pilot study on prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), which is a small mammal species that exhibits relatively complex social behavior. We demonstrate the potential for Juxta to increase our understanding of the social networks and behavior of free-living animals. Additionally, we propose a framework to guide future research in merging temporal, spatial, and event-driven data. By leveraging wireless technology, battery efficiency, and smart sensing modalities, our wearable ecosystem offers a scalable solution for real-time, high-resolution data capture and analysis in animal social network studies, opening new avenues for exploring complex social dynamics across species and environments.

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The Internet of Animals: what it is, what it could be

Cited by 25 publications

References 65 publications

Accelerometer-based detection of African swine fever infection in wild boar

Accelerometer-based detection of African swine fever infection in wild boar

Emerging technologies in citizen science and potential for insect monitoring

A Wireless Wearable Ecosystem for Social Network Analysis in Free-living Animals

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