Search

Abstract Background Regular training for mass casualty incidents at physical simulation events is vital for emergency services. The preparation and execution of these simulations consume huge amounts of time, personnel, and money. It is therefore important to gather as much information as possible from each simulation while minimizing any influence on the participants, so as to keep the simulation as realistic as possible. In this paper, an analysis of GPS-based remote motion measurements of participants in a mass casualty incident simulation is presented. A combination of different evaluation methods is used to analyze the data. This could reduce the potential bias of the measurement methods. Methods Movement patterns of participants of mass casualty incident simulations, measured by GPS loggers, were analyzed. The timeline of the simulation was segmented into event sections, based on movement patterns of participants entering or leaving defined areas. Movement patterns of participants working closely together were correlated to analyze their cooperation. Written logs created by observers on the ground were used to reconstruct the events of the simulation, to provide a comparative reference to validate the motion analysis. Results Recorded motion patterns of the participants were found to be qualitatively related to observer logs and triage allocations, allowing a partial reconstruction of the behavior of the participants during the simulation. By analyzing the times the simulation patients left the site of events some possible misjudgments in the triage decisions were indicated. Conclusions Analysis of movement patterns from GPS loggers and comparison with observations made on the ground showed that accurate information about the events during the simulation can be automatically delivered. Although the records of observers on the ground are vital to assess details, delegation of the automated analysis of individual and group motion could perhaps allow observers to concentrate on more specific tasks. The partially automated motion analysis methods presented should simplify the process of analyzing mass casualty incident simulations.

Obtaining information about various vehicle types traveling on road networks is crucial for estimating traffic loads on roads, evaluating the adequacy of road design standards, and providing personalized navigation guidance. Traditional intrusive and non-intrusive methods for vehicle-type identification often encounter challenges such as high maintenance costs, incomplete coverage of all roads, and technical limitations in adverse weather conditions. In recent years, vehicle GNSS trajectory data accumulation has provided a continuous, dynamic, wide-coverage, and cost-effective data resource for identifying vehicle types. However, existing trajectory-based methods still have some drawbacks in micro-trip segmentation and limitation of movement features. Hence, this paper proposes a novel approach for identifying vehicle types by leveraging spatial-semantic information from trajectory data. This proposed method initially detects staying points from trajectory data, then utilizes DBSCAN clustering on these detected staying points to adaptively segment original vehicle trajectories into various micro-trips in a steady-moving pattern. Subsequently, several statistical indicators related to velocity and acceleration are calculated as movement features for each micro-trip. Additionally, each vehicle trajectory’s driving-road hierarchy and staying-place information are quantified as the geo-semantic features. Finally, the calculated movement and geo-semantic features are utilized for two classification tasks using three typical classification models. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves reliable performance in identifying various vehicle types by incorporating adaptive micro-trip segmentation and multiple spatial-semantic features, particularly outperforming fixed-size trip segmentation and using only movement features. Furthermore, it is observed that the classification accuracy of coaches, trucks, and semis is consistently higher than that for large, medium, and small passenger cars, indicating that the vehicle purposes may be more distinguishable than vehicle loads.

Clinical Scenario: Nearly 60 million youth ages 6–18 participate in athletics within the United States. Over the last 30 years, the outlook on youth sport participation has drastically changed, resulting in an increased emphasis on performance and college sport participation. These evolving expectations have created a sense of perfectionism, demanding more time and energy to be placed into a single sport, resulting in an increased prevalence of sport specialization, and consequently, an increased rate of injury. Clinical Question: What is the impact of sport specialization on lower-extremity neuromuscular control in female adolescent athletes? Summary of Key Findings: Four studies were included, all comparing movement efficiency and movement patterns among multisport and sport-specialized female adolescent athletes. Three studies showed that sport specialization is associated with lower-extremity biomechanical alterations that are indicative of altered levels of neuromuscular control, which can predispose an individual to an increased risk of injury. One study concluded that no differences in neuromuscular control exist when comparing sport-specialized to multisport adolescent female athletes. Clinical Bottom Line: Sport specialization has the potential to create negative alterations in a female adolescent athletes' lower-extremity biomechanics, leading to the creation of altered levels of neuromuscular control and a possible increased risk for injury. Strength of Recommendation: Level B evidence exists to support the conclusion that sport specialization negatively affects a female adolescent athlete's lower-extremity neuromuscular control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To access seals (Pinnipedia), polar bears (Ursus maritimus) move large distances over the sea ice in winter. Already documented declines in ice duration for Hudson Bay, Canada, are predicted to continue, likely affecting polar bear movement patterns. Using data from global positioning system (GPS) collars, 2007–2011, we describe movement patterns of adult female polar bears of the Southern Hudson Bay (SH) subpopulation. We tested effects of season and reproductive class on movement rates, distance travelled, displacement distance and direction, and home range size. Except for denning females, reproductive class had no effect on movement rates, which were greatest during freeze-up and least during summer. Across all reproductive classes and seasons, mean hourly movement rate was 0.63 km/hour. Mean annual distance moved by nondenning females was 4,771 km. During freeze-up, bears moved north-easterly from the Ontario coast toward the Belcher Islands and Québec following the forming ice edge. During breakup, bears moved southerly toward the Ontario coast and away from the residual ice that occurs north of the Ontario coast. In autumn, denning females moved southerly and inland to den. Mean annual minimum convex polygon (MCP) home-range size was 153,866 km2, with no effect of reproductive class nor change over time. Home range estimates from kernel density estimators and Brownian bridge movement models (BBMM) varied by reproductive class and were smaller than MCP ones. The BBMM estimates likely yield more realistic patterns of space use by polar bears. Using data from satellite collars, 1997–2003, we compared travel distance and home range size between periods (1997–2003; 2007–2011). We found weak evidence of a difference in distance moved between periods, perhaps due to a period of ice stability in the 2000s. Our results identified patterns of use of extensive areas of Hudson Bay by SH bears in winter, and results provide benchmarks for future studies of movement patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the influences on motor development in infants who are at low risk from Belgium, India, Norway, and the United States using the General Movement Assessment at 10–16 weeks postterm age. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of prospectively enrolled full-term infants at low risk (n  = 186). Certified General Movement Assessment observers rated the fidgety movements, quality of the movement patterns, age-adequacy of the movement repertoire, postural patterns, movement character, and overall Motor Optimality Score–Revised (MOS-R). Scores were evaluated for associations with sex, birth weight category, gestational age, postterm age at video, and country. Results The majority of infants had normal fidgety movements (179/186, 96.2%). This did not vary by sex, birth weight, gestational age, postterm age at video, or country. All infants showed normal>atypical movement patterns. Variability was seen for age adequacy (optimal: 137/183, 74.9%), postural patterns (normal>atypical: 164/183, 89.6%), and smooth/ fluent movement character (138/183, 75.4%). Gestational age and postterm age at video were associated with atypical postural patterns, but in multivariable regression, only younger postterm age retained significance (OR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.05–8.24). Lack of age adequacy was associated with postterm age (OR = 13.15, 95% CI = 4.36–39.72) and country (compared with Norway; Belgium OR = 3.38 95% CI = 12.4–9.22; India OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.01–9.87; United States not significant). Infants from India also showed lower rates of an optimal MOS-R (25–28) than infants from Norway. Conclusion The normality and temporal organization of fidgety movements did not differ by sex, birth weight, postterm age, or country, suggesting that the fidgety movements are free of cultural and environmental influences. The majority of full-term infants who were healthy in this cohort showed normal scores for all aspects of motor development tested using the MOS-R. Differences in age adequacy and MOS-R by country warrant investigation with larger cohorts and longitudinal follow-up. Impact Understanding variations in typical motor development is essential to interpreting patterns of movement and posture in infants at risk for atypical development. Using the framework of Prechtl's General Movement Assessment, this study showed that the development of movement and posture in healthy infants was affected by age and country of birth, but the development of the fidgety movements appeared to be free of these influences. Local norms may be needed to interpret the Motor Optimality Score-Revised in all populations, but further research on this topic is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home range is an ecological concept that affects many aspects of the life of vertebrates and hence understanding how it varies between species is crucial. Mammalian home range size has been linked to body size and diet, but these studies were based predominantly on terrestrial species and most specifically excluded bats. As the only group of flying mammals, bats experience distinctly different constraints on movement, and hence home range. However, despite their diversity, relatively little is known about the home ranges of bats, and this is the first global review assessing correlates of their home range size. Our hypothesis is that home range will be impacted by different ecological conditions experienced by the bats and by the biological traits of the bats themselves. We performed a meta-analysis based on published data for 81 bat species to identify variables that contribute most to home range size. Sex, wing loading, functional group, colony size, dietary class, distance from the equator (latitudinal region), habitat type, and the interaction between habitat type and latitudinal region were all important explanatory variables. Wing loading was positively correlated with home range size—while females, open-air foragers, large colony sizes, and bats in temperate regions consistently had large home ranges. Understanding the correlates of home range has important implications, for example, for bat conservation and for assessing the risk of spillover of zoonotic pathogens from bats to humans and livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding animals' movements is essential to assess habitat use, life‐history strategies, and population dynamics. Here, we investigate the movement and behavior patterns of 153 humpback whales in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWA) using data obtained by satellite telemetry between 2003 and 2019 during the species' breeding season (August–December) off the Brazilian coast. Switching state space models were applied to estimate behavior states (bmode) classified as Area Restricted Search (ARS), Transiting (TRANS), or uncertain. Whales were distributed from 4°S to 24°S, and five clusters of ARS behavior were identified along the Brazilian coast. Generalized linear mixed modeling revealed three main results: (1) a transition towards more sinuous behavioral states with increasing latitude; (2) more sinuous movement behavior around new moons; (3) movement behavior was temporally dynamic throughout the breeding season over the years, particularly in 2019. The results then revealed important regions where humpback whales cluster to engage in mating and nursing behaviors, highlighting the influence of spatial location and environmental cycles on their behavior. Estimated movement behavior presented here improves the knowledge about the habitat use and movement patterns of SWA humpback whales in their breeding ground and can be used to mitigate potential human‐related impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the reproductive period, mating strategies are a significant driver of adaptations in animal behaviour. For instance, for polygamous species, greater movement rates during the mating season may be advantageous due to the increased probability of encountering several potential mates. The brown bear Ursus arctos is a solitary carnivore that lives at low densities, with a polygamous mating system and an extended mating season of nearly 3 months. Here, we hypothesized that male brown bears may show changes in movement patterns and space‐use behaviour during their mating season. Using long‐term (2002–2013) telemetry data from the Finnish Karelia male population (n = 24 individuals; n = 10 688 GPS locations), we first analysed daily movement metrics, that is, speed, net and total distance with respect to the period (mating vs. post‐mating) and several environmental predictors. Then, we conducted a step‐selection analysis for each of these periods. Throughout the year, male bears selected forested/shrub habitats and increased movement rates near main roads. During the mating season, reproductive needs seem to trigger roaming behaviour in adult males to maximize encounter rates with potential receptive females. However, all movement metrics increased within areas of high human activity, suggesting a bear response to a higher risk perception while using those areas. During the post‐mating period, overlapping with the bear hyperphagia and the hunting season, males selected anthropogenic areas farther from main roads and trails, suggesting a trade‐off between foraging opportunities and risk avoidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The foraging activity of the juvenile horseshoe crabs Tachypleus tridentatus (Leach, 1819) was examined in natural conditions on a sandy substrate during ebb-tide periods in the intertidal zone at Chingluo Wetland, Taiwan, during July and August 2019. The movement patterns, length and width of the crawling paths and the azimuths of direction to sunlight were examined. Juvenile T. tridentatus at the seventh- to tenth-instars (95.5%, 21of 22) could emerge from sand and start to feed on beach surface. Their crawling trails did not follow a straight-line directed pattern; D: Wall was 0.52±1.99; 0.1-0.83 (mean ± s.d.; range). The juveniles rarely faced the sunlight when departing from the starting point or stayed at the end-point of crawling paths. We first detected a lateral phototaxis tendency of juvenile T. tridentatus that was more often with a body lateral to the sunlight than a direct orientation of head towards (81.8% and 18.2%, Binomial test, N = 22, P < 0.01). Their body left-side was more frequently exposed in direction to sunlight the right-side (75% and 25%, Binomial test, N = 24, P < 0.01). We suppose that such a lateral phototaxis and related movement patterns are adaptive foraging strategies of juveniles of T. tridentatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana), once thought to be absent from the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa, has recently reestablished or expanded its range into the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), Botswana, with documented occurrences over the past decade. This study explores the temporal and spatial dynamics of elephants in and around the CKGR, focusing on their largely understudied movement patterns. Movement and home range data was obtained from two adult female and eight adult male elephants using GPS/UHF collars. The analysis revealed distinct seasonal ranging behaviours. Collared females migrated between CKGR and the Okavango Delta periphery, while collared male showed both migratory and sedentary patterns around artificial water points and Gope mine in CKGR. Some collared male elephants migrated to the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) during the wet season, returning to the CKGR in the dry season. This pattern confirms established migration routes and the emergence of pseudo-resident male elephants within CKGR. These findings highlight the importance of management strategies that integrate water distribution, elephant movement, and human-elephant conflicts. Ensuring ecological connectivity beyond the KAZA region is vital for the long-term survival of elephants and other key species.

Hunting triggers behavioral responses in wildlife that may have important consequences for conservation and wildlife management. We studied movement and habitat selection in 51 global positioning system‐collared red deer (Cervus elaphus) in response to 63 large‐scale (x̄ = 18.8 km2) drive hunts conducted in 2015‐2022 on a military training area in southern Germany. The drive hunts were characterized by a low density of beaters and dogs to avoid rapid and long‐distance displacement of red deer. We determined if red deer spatial responses to drive hunts differed in various forest covers, between sexes, and in relation to the individual position prior to the hunt. On the hunting days, red deer increased their hourly displacement rates and shifted their preference for forest versus open habitats from early morning to late morning hours. Individuals initially located within the boundaries of the hunted areas exhibited longer maximum net displacements, had a greater probability of leaving their home ranges, and spent longer times outside of their home ranges than individuals outside the hunted areas. All these parameters were greater in the more forested site than in the less forested site. Males displayed shorter net displacements than females. Red deer moved away (i.e., fled) from their initial positions for variable periods, either only during the hunt or until the next day. The probability of prolonged flight was greater in the more forested site and more likely if the individuals were deeper in the forest in the less forested site. The prolonged flight behavior was desired from the hunters' perspective because red deer displaying this type of response were less likely to leave the hunted area during the hunt. Prolonged flight was associated with greater costs for the red deer, such as greater movement distances after the hunt and longer times outside of home ranges. Wildlife managers should consider that drive hunts may cause prolonged behavioral responses in game that occur both inside and outside the hunted areas. These responses depend on habitat characteristics and may be stronger in more forested landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the escalating challenges in captive elephant management, the study of elephant reintegration emerges as a pivotal area of research, primarily addressing the enhancement of animal welfare. The term 'reintegration' refers to the process of rehabilitating captive elephants to a natural system, allowing them to roam freely without intensive human intervention. There is a relative paucity of research addressing the behavioural adaptations post-reintegration, despite reintegration of over 20 elephants across various fenced reserves in South Africa. Our study centres on two distinct herds of reintegrated African elephants, monitoring their movement patterns in two South African reserves over a 57-month period post-release. The primary goal of the study was to establish whether the flexibility and adaptability of movement behaviour of reintegrated elephants can be considered as one of the indicators of determining the success of such an operation. The second aim of our study was to investigate if the reintegrated elephants demonstrated an adaptability to their environment through their hourly, daily, and seasonal ranging patterns after a period of free roaming that exceeded 4 years. Our findings indicated that reintegrated elephants, much like their wild counterparts (movement based on literature), displayed notable seasonal and diurnal variations in key movement parameters, such as utilisation distribution areas and reserve utilization. These patterns changed over time, reflecting an adaptive shift in movement patterns after several years of free roaming. Notably, the trajectory of changes in movement parameters varied between herds, indicating unique adaptation responses, likely resulting from differences in the reintegration process (familiarity of reserve, season of release, presence of wild elephants). Although our study is constrained by the limited number of reintegrated herds available for analysis, it underscores the potential of captive elephants to successfully adapt to a free-living environment, emphasising the promising implications of reintegration initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We record and analyze the movement patterns of the marsupial Didelphis aurita at different temporal scales. Animals trajectories are collected at a daily scale by using spool-and-line techniques and, with the help of radio-tracking devices, animals traveled distances are estimated at intervals of weeks. Small-scale movements are well described by truncated Lévy flight, while large-scale movements produce a distribution of distances which is compatible with a Brownian motion. A model of the movement behavior of these animals, based on a truncated Lévy flight calibrated on the small scale data, converges towards a Brownian behavior after a short time interval of the order of 1 week. These results show that whether Lévy flight or Brownian motion behaviors apply, will depend on the scale of aggregation of the animals paths. In this specific case, as the effect of the rude truncation present in the daily data generates a fast convergence towards Brownian behaviors, Lévy flights become of scarce interest for describing the local dispersion properties of these animals, which result well approximated by a normal diffusion process and not a fast, anomalous one. Interestingly, we are able to describe two movement phases as the consequence of a statistical effect generated by aggregation, without the necessity of introducing ecological constraints or mechanisms operating at different spatio-temporal scales. This result is of general interest, as it can be a key element for describing movement phenomenology at distinct spatio-temporal scales across different taxa and in a variety of systems.

Aposematic animals are chemically defended and tend to have bright and conspicuous color patterns that warn predators of the costs of attack. Most research on aposematism focuses on the role that predator cognition has on the evolution of aposematic defenses. Although the behavior of aposematic organisms is likely to be crucial in affecting their survival, it has been less thoroughly investigated. Bolder and more active movement decisions, and a reduced likelihood to respond to perceived threats of predation, should increase the conspicuousness and distinctiveness of aposematic prey to predators, which in turn should enhance their fitness. Here, we developed a laboratory-based framework to study the behavior of poison frogs, which are both conspicuously colored and defended by toxic alkaloids. We designed experiments to quantify boldness, exploratory behavior, movement patterns, and escape behavior (flight initiation distance from an incoming avian predator model) in the strawberry poison frog, Oophaga pumilio, from northeastern Costa Rica. We tested females, non-vocalizing males, and calling males to measure the intraspecific variability in their behavior. Calling males had a larger flight initiation distance than females, and varied more in directional change when moving compared to females. Non-vocalizing males varied more in sinuosity when moving compared to females. We found no differences in boldness or exploratory behavior between the three groups. Our results indicate movement variability within intraspecific groups of a single population in O. pumilio. Additionally, our results suggest plasticity in the escape behavior of calling males, which contrasts with findings from field-based studies. Our framework allowed us to quantify intraspecific differences in some anti-predator behaviors. Combining individual behavioral profiles with field data can provide a standardized comparative approach to understand the ecological and evolutionary consequences of anti-predator behavior within and among species of poison frogs (Abstract in Spanish in the Online Appendix 1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A greater knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of animal home range (HR) formation can help us to understand the fundamental biological issues underlying, for instance, movement patterns, habitat selection and survival. However, very little is known about the HRs of birds of prey fledglings, even though the post-fledging phase is recognised as crucial due to the high mortality of juvenile birds. We radio-tracked 138 Tengmalm's owl (Aegolius funereus) fledglings from 43 broods to determine their HRs during the post-fledging dependence period and to investigate the factors affecting their sizes. The study was conducted during four breeding seasons in Czechia and two seasons in Finland. The mean fledglings' HR size calculated according to the 95% IID Kernel Density Estimation method was 63.7 ± 43.9 ha (± SD; n = 71) during nocturnal activity and 52.0 ± 46.1 ha (n = 63) during diurnal roosting. The sizes of both nocturnal activity and diurnal roosting HRs increased with the longer individual duration of the post-fledging dependence period and also the higher rank of hatching within a brood. Diurnal roosting HRs were two times smaller in the Czech site, probably because of the very limited number of dense forest patches suitable for roosting as a legacy of the air pollution calamity in the 1970s, during which most coniferous stands died out. There was no difference in the size of nocturnal activity HR between the two study areas, although they differed markedly in terms of night length, altitude, weather, and forest age, structure and composition. This suggests that environmental factors are not decisive in determining the size of nocturnal activity HRs of Tengmalm's owl fledglings. Since the diurnal HRs always occurred within the area of the nocturnal HRs, we suggest that conservation of the densest and preferably oldest forest stands within the areas of the study species occurrence may offer straightforward conservation tasks for protecting Tengmalm's owl fledglings and also other species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alterations in hip kinematics during functional tasks occur in positions that cause anterior impingement in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. However, tasks that do not promote motions of symptomatic hip impingement remain understudied. Purpose: To compare movement patterns of the hip and pelvis during a step-down pivot-turn task between patients with FAI and controls as well as in patients with FAI before and after hip arthroscopy. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Three-dimensional motion capture was acquired in 32 patients with FAI and 27 controls during a step-down pivot-turn task. An FAI subsample (n = 14) completed testing 9.2 ± 2.0 months (mean ± SD; range, 5.8-13.1 months) after hip arthroscopy. Statistical parametric mapping analysis was used to analyze hip and pelvis time series waveforms (1) between the FAI and control groups, (2) in the FAI group before versus after hip arthroscopy, and (3) in the FAI group after hip arthroscopy versus the control group. Continuous parametric variables were analyzed by paired t test and nonparametric variables by chi-square test. Results: There were no significant differences in demographics between the FAI and control groups. Before hip arthroscopy, patients with FAI demonstrated reduced hip flexion (P =.041) and external rotation (P =.027), as well as decreased anterior pelvic tilt (P =.049) and forward rotation (P =.043), when compared with controls. After hip arthroscopy, patients demonstrated greater hip flexion (P <.001) and external rotation of the operative hip (P <.001), in addition to increased anterior pelvic tilt (P ≤.036) and pelvic rise (P ≤.049), as compared with preoperative values. Postoperatively, the FAI group demonstrated greater hip flexion (P ≤.047) and lower forward pelvic rotation (P =.003) as compared with the control group. Conclusion: Movement pattern differences between the FAI and control groups during the nonimpingement-related step-down pivot-turn task were characterized by differences in the sagittal and transverse planes of the hip and pelvis. After hip arthroscopy, patients exhibited greater hip flexion and external rotation and increased pelvic anterior tilt and pelvic rise as compared with presurgery. When compared with controls, patients with FAI demonstrated greater hip flexion and lower pelvic forward rotation postoperatively. Clinical Relevance: These findings indicate that hip and pelvis biomechanics are altered even during tasks that do not reproduce the anterior impingement position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in diverse fields, including animal behavior research. However, its application to ambiguous data requires careful consideration to avoid uncritical interpretations. This paper extends prior research on ringed mallards where sensors revealed their movements in southern Sweden, particularly in areas with small lakes. The primary focus is to distinguish the movement patterns of wild and farmed mallards. While well-known statistical methods can capture such differences, ML also provides opportunities to simulate behaviors outside of the core study span. Building on this, this study applies ML techniques to simulate these movements, using the previously collected data. It is crucial to note that unrefined application of ML can lead to incomplete or misleading outcomes. Challenges in the data include disparities in swimming and flying records, farmed mallards' biased data due to feeding points, and extended intervals between data points. This research highlights these data challenges, while identifying discernible patterns, as well as proposing approaches to meet such challenges. The key contribution lies in separating incompatible data and, through different ML models, handle these separately to enhance the reliability of the simulation models. This approach ensures a more credible and nuanced understanding of mallard movements, demonstrating the importance of critical analysis in ML applications in wildlife studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the escalating challenges in captive elephant management, the study of elephant reintegration emerges as a pivotal area of research, primarily addressing the enhancement of animal welfare. The term ‘reintegration’ refers to the process of rehabilitating captive elephants to a natural system, allowing them to roam freely without intensive human intervention. There is a relative paucity of research addressing the behavioural adaptations post-reintegration, despite reintegration of over 20 elephants across various fenced reserves in South Africa. Our study centres on two distinct herds of reintegrated African elephants, monitoring their movement patterns in two South African reserves over a 57-month period post-release. The primary goal of the study was to establish whether the flexibility and adaptability of movement behaviour of reintegrated elephants can be considered as one of the indicators of determining the success of such an operation. The second aim of our study was to investigate if the reintegrated elephants demonstrated an adaptability to their environment through their hourly, daily, and seasonal ranging patterns after a period of free roaming that exceeded 4 years. Our findings indicated that reintegrated elephants, much like their wild counterparts (movement based on literature), displayed notable seasonal and diurnal variations in key movement parameters, such as utilisation distribution areas and reserve utilization. These patterns changed over time, reflecting an adaptive shift in movement patterns after several years of free roaming. Notably, the trajectory of changes in movement parameters varied between herds, indicating unique adaptation responses, likely resulting from differences in the reintegration process (familiarity of reserve, season of release, presence of wild elephants). Although our study is constrained by the limited number of reintegrated herds available for analysis, it underscores the potential of captive elephants to successfully adapt to a free-living environment, emphasising the promising implications of reintegration initiatives.

A greater knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors of animal home range (HR) formation can help us to understand the fundamental biological issues underlying, for instance, movement patterns, habitat selection and survival. However, very little is known about the HRs of birds of prey fledglings, even though the post-fledging phase is recognised as crucial due to the high mortality of juvenile birds. We radio-tracked 138 Tengmalm’s owl (Aegolius funereus) fledglings from 43 broods to determine their HRs during the post-fledging dependence period and to investigate the factors affecting their sizes. The study was conducted during four breeding seasons in Czechia and two seasons in Finland. The mean fledglings’ HR size calculated according to the 95% IID Kernel Density Estimation method was 63.7 ± 43.9 ha (± SD; n = 71) during nocturnal activity and 52.0 ± 46.1 ha (n = 63) during diurnal roosting. The sizes of both nocturnal activity and diurnal roosting HRs increased with the longer individual duration of the post-fledging dependence period and also the higher rank of hatching within a brood. Diurnal roosting HRs were two times smaller in the Czech site, probably because of the very limited number of dense forest patches suitable for roosting as a legacy of the air pollution calamity in the 1970s, during which most coniferous stands died out. There was no difference in the size of nocturnal activity HR between the two study areas, although they differed markedly in terms of night length, altitude, weather, and forest age, structure and composition. This suggests that environmental factors are not decisive in determining the size of nocturnal activity HRs of Tengmalm’s owl fledglings. Since the diurnal HRs always occurred within the area of the nocturnal HRs, we suggest that conservation of the densest and preferably oldest forest stands within the areas of the study species occurrence may offer straightforward conservation tasks for protecting Tengmalm’s owl fledglings and also other species.

The diversity of tourist destinations in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), supported by the planning of the National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN) consisting of 5 KSPNs spread across regencies/cities in DIY, can form patterns of tourist movements transitioning from urban tourism to sub-urban tourism. The aim of this research is to identify the patterns of tourist movement in several tourist destinations within KSPN DIY. The research employs a quantitative approach with descriptive analysis. Data collection involves the distribution of questionnaires at main destinations, namely Prambanan Temple, Baron Beach, Parangtritis Beach, Gembira Loka, and Volcano Tour. The population in this study consists of tourists visiting the main destinations, with purposive sampling used for sample selection. The results reveal identified routes in three patterns: single pattern, multiple patterns, and complex patterns. Secondary destinations frequently visited include Malioboro and Alun-Alun Kidul. Correspondingly, the chosen accommodation locations for tourists are predominantly in Yogyakarta City and its surroundings, indicating an uneven distribution of tourist-supporting accommodations to several other main tourist destinations. Consequently, the formed patterns of movement still rely on the availability of accommodation and amenities in the areas with the most comprehensive facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing children's FMS and executive function is a critical aspect of early childhood. The aim was to evaluate the fundamental movement skills (FMS) and executive function. The objectives were to investigate the locomotor and object control skills as well as inhibitory control and working memory of the selected children. Grade 1 (6–8-years-old) learners (N = 157) in Cape Town, South Africa were assessed with the Test for Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) and Head Toes Knees and Shoulder task, before and after a 6-week active brain-break intervention. Participants were divided into a control (n = 53) and an experimental (n = 104) group. The results indicated an overall statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) for pre- and post-testing in both groups for FMS executive functioning (p < 0.01).The results highlight the importance of exposing Grade 1 learners to FMS and physical activity bouts during academic lessons to create opportunities for movement, development of FMS and enhancement of executive functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is associated with reduced muscle mass, strength, and function, leading to frailty. This study aims to analyze the movement patterns (MPs) of older individuals with T2D across varying levels of physical capacity (PC). (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals aged 60 or older with T2D. Participants (n = 103) were equipped with a blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system and an activity monitoring device for one week. PC tests were performed at the beginning and end of the week, and participants were categorized into three groups: low PC (LPC), medium PC (MPC), and normal PC (NPC). Group differences in MPs and physical activity were analyzed using non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests for both categorical and continuous variables. Dunn post-hoc statistical tests were subsequently carried out for pairwise comparisons. For data analysis, we utilized pandas, a Python-based data analysis tool, and conducted the statistical analyses using the scipy.stats package in Python. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. (3) Results: Participants in the LPC group showed lower medio-lateral acceleration and higher vertical and antero-posterior acceleration compared to the NPC group. LPC participants also had higher root mean square values (1.017 m/s2). Moreover, the LPC group spent less time performing in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and had fewer daily steps than the MPC and NPC groups. (4) Conclusions: The LPC group exhibited distinct movement patterns and lower activity levels compared to the NPC group. This study is the first to characterize the MPs of older individuals with T2D in their free-living environment. Several accelerometer-derived features were identified that could differentiate between PC groups. This novel approach offers a manpower-free alternative to identify physical deterioration and detect low PC in individuals with T2D based on real free-living physical behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to define the factors that affect users' movement preferences and propose a method to identify the movement patterns in urban space. The proposed method was tested on Edirne-Kaleiçi, which was chosen as the study area. Edirne proves to be an appropriate case given that the spatial construct of the city bears the characteristics and the political-ideological, social, and economic impacts from different periods throughout history. Thus, the effects of socio-economic factors can be observed when movement preferences are identified. In this context, available literature and different perspectives on "movement" were examined, and the components that affect movement were revealed. As a result of the model constructed with "Natural Movement" (based on Space Syntax Analysis Method), "Directed Movement" (based on Urban Network Analysis Method) and other additional components, movement patterns in the urban fabric were determined. Although the choice, integration, and intensity values are high for users according to the physical construct of streets in Kaleiçi, the movement remains in a very limited area due to the socio-economic structure and one type of intensive land-use type (retail). In addition, as a result of the correlations made with the observation data (pedestrian-vehicle counts, land market values), the consistency of the model was tested, and a positive/high-level relationship was determined. This method approach will contribute to the literature because it will help integrate many different attributes under the concept of "movement" and make them questionable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Transportation Science & Technolgy is the property of Transportation Science & Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We examined the movement patterns of American Coots relative to water temperature and heat index where a geothermally heated stream enters Utah Lake, UT, USA during winter using a thermal imager onboard an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). Observations of Coots in different water temperatures (n = 2354) were compiled during 31 flights in January–March, 2020. Coots were actively swimming during 82.3% of the observations, fleeing during 8.1%, and sedentary in water during 9.6%. The population spent more time swimming in cooler water and were sedentary for longer in warmer water. The only instance of uniform behavior occurred during an anomalously cold period in which Coots stood huddled in the warmest available water. Using a linear model framework, we found that Coot time spent increased with water temperature when heat index decreased. Coots' swim paths deviated away from warmer water more than cooler water and more so as heat index increased. We suggest that Coots use the spring water primarily for ice-free habitat and maintain metabolic rates via a combination of thermal conductance, caloric ingestion, and exercise, but only exploit the heated water strictly for thermoregulation during anomalously cold periods. We discuss the benefits and hindrances of using UASs amidst a rapidly expanding assortment of sensors and aircraft available to researchers. Given wetlands' immediate conservation concern, ecosystem services they provide, and support of unique species assemblages, our research provides valuable insight into documenting wildlife's use of wetlands with relatively low scientific take and human interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Bats are increasingly being recognized as important hosts for viruses, some of which are zoonotic and carry the potential for spillover within human and livestock populations. Biosurveillance studies focused on assessing the risk of pathogen transmission, however, have largely focused on the virological component and have not always considered the ecological implications of different species as viral hosts. The movements of known viral hosts are an important component for disease risk assessments as they can potentially identify regions of higher risk of contact and spillover. As such, this study aimed to synthesize data from both virological and ecological fields to provide a more holistic assessment of the risk of pathogen transmission from bats to people. Results Using radiotelemetry, we tracked the small-scale movements of Rousettus aegyptiacus, a species of bat known to host Marburg virus and other viruses with zoonotic potential, in a rural settlement in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The tracked bats exhibited seasonal variations in their movement patterns including variable usage of residential areas which could translate to contact between bats and humans and may facilitate spillover. We identified a trend for increased usage of residential areas during the winter months with July specifically experiencing the highest levels of bat activity within residential areas. July has previously been identified as a key period for increased spillover risk for viruses associated with R. aegyptiacus from this colony and paired with the increased activity levels, illustrates the risk for spillover to human populations. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating ecological data such as movement patterns with virological data to provide a better understanding of the risk of pathogen spillover and transmission.

Context: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a challenging condition, with altered kinematics and muscle activity as 2 common impairments. Single applications of patterned electrical neuromuscular stimulation (PENS) have improved both kinematics and muscle activity in females with PFP; however, the use of PENS in conjunction with a rehabilitation program has not been evaluated. Objective: To determine the effects of a 4-week rehabilitation program with PENS on lower-extremity biomechanics and electromyography (EMG) during a single-leg squat (SLS) and a step-down task (SDT) in individuals with PFP. Study Design: Double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Setting: Laboratory. Patients of Other Participants: Sixteen females with PFP (age 23.3 [4.9] y, mass 66.3 [13.5] kg, height 166.1 [5.9] cm). Intervention: Patients completed a 4-week supervised rehabilitation program with or without PENS. Main Outcome Measures: Curve analyses for lower-extremity kinematics and EMG activity (gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vastus medialis oblique, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris, and adductor longus) were constructed by plotting group means and 90% confidence intervals throughout 100% of each task, before and after the rehabilitation program. Mean differences (MDs) and SDs were calculated where statistical differences were identified. Results: No differences at baseline in lower-extremity kinematics or EMG were found between groups. Following rehabilitation, the PENS group had significant reduction in hip adduction between 29% and 47% of the SLS (MD = 4.62° [3.85°]) and between 43% and 69% of the SDT (MD = 6.55° [0.77°]). Throughout the entire SDT, there was a decrease in trunk flexion in the PENS group (MD = 10.91° [1.73°]). A significant decrease in gluteus medius activity was seen during both the SLS (MD = 2.77 [3.58]) and SDT (MD = 4.36 [5.38]), and gluteus maximus during the SLS (MD = 1.49 [1.46]). No differences were seen in the Sham group lower-extremity kinematics for either task. Conclusion: Rehabilitation with PENS improved kinematics in both tasks and decreased EMG activity. This suggests that rehabilitation with PENS may improve muscle function during functional tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical Scenario: Joint instability is a common condition that often stems from inadequate muscle activation and results in precarious movement patterns. When clinicians attempt to mechanically treat the unstable joint rather than attending to the underlying cause of the instability, patient outcomes may suffer. The use of kinesiology tape (KT) on an unstable joint has been proposed to aid in improving lower-extremity neuromuscular control. Clinical Question: Does KT improve factors of neuromuscular control in an athletic population when compared with no-tape or nonelastic taping techniques? Summary of Key Findings: The current literature was searched, and 5 randomized controlled studies were selected comparing the effects of KT with no-tape or nonelastic taping techniques on lower-extremity neuromuscular control in an athletic population. Primary findings suggest KT is not more effective than no-tape or nonelastic tape conditions at improving lower-extremity neuromuscular control in a healthy population. Clinical Bottom Line: The current evidence suggests that KT is ineffective for improving neuromuscular control at the ankle compared with nonelastic tape or no-tape conditions. KT was also found to be ineffective at improving hip and knee kinematics in healthy runners and cyclists. However, preliminary research has demonstrated improved neuromuscular control in a population displaying excessive knee valgus during a drop jump landing, after the application of KT. Clinicians should be cautious of these conflicting results and apply the best available evidence to their evaluation of the patient's status. Strength of Recommendation: There is grade B evidence that the use of KT on an athletic population does not improve biomechanical measures of ankle stability. There is inconclusive, grade B evidence that KT improves neuromuscular control at the knee in symptomatic populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arthroskopie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents a privacy-preserving proof of concept for assessing human behavior in emergency scenarios using aggregated data from multiple WiFi access points. The proposed method focuses on preserving individual privacy by avoiding tracking and metadata analysis, while still achieving effective multi-user activity recognition. To implement our approach, raw data from the Eduroam WiFi network at Polytechnique Montreal was collected and analyzed using standard supervised and anomaly detection techniques. The initial test was on recognizing patterns of academic activity, serving as the foundation for our investigation. Subsequently, the same methodology was applied during an evacuation drill scenario to recognize anomaly situations. Through our research, we demonstrate the potential to assess human situations effectively while safeguarding privacy, providing a critical capability for the early detection of emergency situations.

Unprecedented levels of change in ocean ecosystems bring an ever-increasing need for re-analyses of existing data to explore pressing conservation questions. Substantial declines in white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) presence at two primary aggregation sites have raised concerns about the species’ status throughout South Africa. Using the most comprehensive suite of abundance indices compiled to date, we evaluated temporal trends and the strength of evidence for regional redistribution. Individual indices from all primary aggregation sites in South Africa were highly variable. The overall temporal trend from a log-linear Generalized Additive Model was relatively flat, indicating largely unchanged abundance throughout South Africa since protection in 1991. However, reports of human-shark incidents showed a general shift from the Western to the Eastern Cape. Correlations among individual abundance indices demonstrated that movements were not as simple as animals leaving one site to inhabit another. Further research is needed to explore the effect of movement on monitoring data. Our results reaffirm the need for better standardization in data collection methods to generate abundance indices and to develop long-term monitoring programs on the Eastern Cape. Ideally, environmental or operational factors affecting abundance indices should also be explored in future status assessments at a regional level. Our results provide a baseline for future work, directing research to understand drivers of localized and regional changes and focusing management on reducing anthropogenic sources of mortality within their Southwest Indian Ocean range.

Background: Bats are increasingly being recognized as important hosts for viruses, some of which are zoonotic and carry the potential for spillover within human and livestock populations. Biosurveillance studies focused on assessing the risk of pathogen transmission, however, have largely focused on the virological component and have not always considered the ecological implications of different species as viral hosts. The movements of known viral hosts are an important component for disease risk assessments as they can potentially identify regions of higher risk of contact and spillover. As such, this study aimed to synthesize data from both virological and ecological fields to provide a more holistic assessment of the risk of pathogen transmission from bats to people. Results: Using radiotelemetry, we tracked the small-scale movements of Rousettus aegyptiacus, a species of bat known to host Marburg virus and other viruses with zoonotic potential, in a rural settlement in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The tracked bats exhibited seasonal variations in their movement patterns including variable usage of residential areas which could translate to contact between bats and humans and may facilitate spillover. We identified a trend for increased usage of residential areas during the winter months with July specifically experiencing the highest levels of bat activity within residential areas. July has previously been identified as a key period for increased spillover risk for viruses associated with R. aegyptiacus from this colony and paired with the increased activity levels, illustrates the risk for spillover to human populations. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating ecological data such as movement patterns with virological data to provide a better understanding of the risk of pathogen spillover and transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reef manta ray, Mobula alfredi (Krefft, 1868), is a highly mobile and plankton-feeding species, classified vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List for Threatened Species. Knowledge on their spatial ecology and the extent of their dispersal remain incomplete, especially within island-fragmented habitats as found in New Caledonia. Satellite telemetry was used to investigate the horizontal movement ecology of reef manta rays in New Caledonia. A total of 21 reef manta rays were tagged with pop-up satellite archival transmitting tags (21 Fastloc and 2 MiniPAT) that remained deployed for a duration ranging from 3 to 180 days (mean ± SE = 76.7 ± 50.3). Rays presented a strong site fidelity and an important affinity for coastal waters. Long-distance migrations (>300 km) were also observed, mainly through coastal and shallow water paths. Horizontal movements were compared to a home range area and classified into four distinct patterns: Fidelity, Excursion, Fidelity + Relocation and Relocation. The most dominant pattern was Fidelity, where manta rays remained within their home range for the whole duration of the tag deployment. Our findings may assist in the design of more appropriate management strategies for the species in New Caledonia and other regions worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding visitors' movements is crucial to achieving the goals of sustainable destination management while dealing with the environmental, social, and cultural impact of tourism. This study examines the movement patterns of visitors within Taeanhaean National Park (TNP) by adopting a destination measurement approach from a longitudinal perspective. The spatial distribution of the visitors' activities and movement patterns was obtained by using mobile positioning data (MPD) and we applied the theoretical concept of tourism destinations, which considers geographical, temporal, and compositional dimensions. Given the destination attributes and conservation values, the MPD analysis proved suitable as an aid for park managers to allocate resources efficiently and define the characteristics of park and recreation facilities. This analysis has extended our knowledge of visitors' patterns at a large marine national park by increasing consistency and high resolution of real-time spatio-temporal data for longer periods and better representing the study population. The study results will allow park managers to implement destination management planning focused on influencing spatial distributions of visitors' movements in a specific environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning for the future is a complex skill that is often considered uniquely human. This cognitive ability has never been investigated in wild gibbons (Hylobatidae). Here we evaluated the movement patterns from sleeping trees to out-of-sight breakfast trees in two groups of endangered skywalker gibbons (Hoolock tianxing). These Asian apes inhabit a cold seasonal montane forest in southwestern China. After controlling for possible confounding variables including group size, sleeping pattern (sleep alone or huddle together), rainfall and temperature, we found that food type (fruits or leaves) of the breakfast tree was the most important factor affecting gibbon movement patterns. Fruit breakfast trees were more distant from sleeping trees compared with leaf trees. Gibbons left sleeping trees and arrived at breakfast trees earlier when they fed on fruits compared with leaves. They travelled fast when breakfast trees were located further away from the sleeping trees. Our study suggests that gibbons had foraging goals in mind and plan their departure times accordingly. This ability may reflect a capacity for route-planning, which would enable them to effectively exploit highly dispersed fruit resources in high-altitude montane forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:In vivo measurements of segmental-level kinematics are a promising avenue for better understanding the relationship between pain and its underlying, multi-factorial basis. To date, the bulk of the reported segmental-level motion has been restricted to single plane motions.Methods: The present work implemented a novel marker set used with an optical motion capture system to non-invasively measure dynamic, 3D in vivo segmental kinematics of the lower spine in a laboratory setting. Lumbar spinal kinematics were measured for 28 subjects during 17 diagnostic movements.Results: Overall regional range of motion data and lumbar angular velocity measurement were consistent with previously published studies. Key findings from the work included measurement of differences in ascending versus descending segmental velocities during functional movements and observations of motion coupling paradigms in the lumbar spinal segments.Conclusion: The work contributes to the task of establishing a baseline of segmental lumbar movement patterns in an asymptomatic cohort, which serves as a necessary pre-requisite for identifying pathological and symptomatic deviations from the baseline.

Machine learning (ML) is increasingly used in diverse fields, including animal behavior research. However, its application to ambiguous data requires careful consideration to avoid uncritical interpretations. This paper extends prior research on ringed mallards where sensors revealed their movements in southern Sweden, particularly in areas with small lakes. The primary focus is to distinguish the movement patterns of wild and farmed mallards. While well-known statistical methods can capture such differences, ML also provides opportunities to simulate behaviors outside of the core study span. Building on this, this study applies ML techniques to simulate these movements, using the previously collected data. It is crucial to note that unrefined application of ML can lead to incomplete or misleading outcomes. Challenges in the data include disparities in swimming and flying records, farmed mallards’ biased data due to feeding points, and extended intervals between data points. This research highlights these data challenges, while identifying discernible patterns, as well as proposing approaches to meet such challenges. The key contribution lies in separating incompatible data and, through different ML models, handle these separately to enhance the reliability of the simulation models. This approach ensures a more credible and nuanced understanding of mallard movements, demonstrating the importance of critical analysis in ML applications in wildlife studies.

The purpose of this study was to use wearable technology data to quantify alterations in subject-specific running patterns throughout a marathon race and to determine if runners could be clustered into subgroups based on similar trends in running gait alterations throughout the marathon. Using a wearable sensor, data were collected for cadence, braking, bounce, pelvic rotation, pelvic drop, and ground contact time for 27 runners. A composite index was calculated based on the "typical" data (4-14 km) for each runner and evaluated for 14 individual 2-km sections thereafter to detect "atypical" data (ie, higher indices). A cluster analysis assigned all runners to a subgroup based on similar trends in running alterations. Results indicated that the indices became significantly higher starting at 20 to 22 km. Cluster 1 exhibited lower indices than cluster 2 throughout the marathon, and the only significant difference in characteristics between clusters was that cluster 1 had a lower age-grade performance score than cluster 2. In summary, this study presented a novel method to investigate the effects of fatigue on running biomechanics using wearable technology in a real-world setting. Recreational runners with higher age-grade performance scores had less atypical running patterns throughout the marathon compared with runners with lower age-grade performance scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between resource availability and wildlife movement patterns is pivotal to understanding species behavior and ecology. Movement response to landscape variables occurs at multiple temporal scales, from sub-diurnal to multiannual. Additionally, individuals may respond to both current and past conditions of resource availability. In this paper, we examine the temporal scale and variation of current and past resource variables that affect movement patterns of African elephants (Loxodonta africana) using sub-hourly movement data from GPS-GSM collared elephants in Etosha National Park, Namibia. We created detailed satellite-based spatiotemporal maps of vegetation biomass, as well as distance from surface water, road and fence. We used step selection functions to measure the relative importance of these landscape variables in determining elephants’ local movement patterns. We also examined how elephants respond to information, in locations they have previously visited, on productivity integrated over different temporal scales: from current to historical conditions. Our results demonstrate that elephants choose patches with higher than average annual productivity and grass biomass, but lower tree biomass. Elephants also prefer to walk close to water, roads, and fences. These preferences vary with time of day and with season, thereby providing insights into diurnal and seasonal behavioral patterns and the ecological importance of the landscape variables examined. We also discovered that elephants respond more strongly to long-term patterns of productivity than to immediate forage conditions, in familiar locations. Our results illustrate how animals with high cognitive capacity and spatial memory integrate long-term information on landscape conditions. We illuminate the importance of long-term high temporal resolution satellite imagery to understanding the relationship between movement patterns and landscape structure.

Abstract Advancements in biologging technology allow terabytes of data to be collected that record the location of individuals but also their direction, speed and acceleration. These multi-stream data sets allow researchers to infer movement and behavioural patterns at high spatiotemporal resolutions and in turn quantify fine-scale changes in state along with likely ecological causes and consequences. The scope offered by such data sets is increasing and there is potential to gain unique insights into a suite of ecological and life history phenomena. We use multi-stream data from global positioning system (GPS) and accelerometer (ACC) devices to quantify breeding events remotely in an Arctic breeding goose. From a training set of known breeders we determine the movement and overall dynamic body acceleration patterns indicative of incubation and use these to classify breeding events in individuals with unknown reproductive status. Given that researchers are often constrained by the amount of biologging data they can collect due to device weights, we carry out a sensitivity analysis. Here we explore the relative merits of GPS vs ACC data and how varying the temporal resolution of the data affects the accuracy of classifying incubation for birds. Classifier accuracy deteriorates as the temporal resolution of GPS and ACC are reduced but the reduction in precision (false positive rate) is larger in comparison to recall (false negative rate). Precision fell to 94.5%, whereas recall didn’t fall below 98% over all sampling schedules tested. Our data set could have been reduced by c.95% while maintaining precision and recall > 98%. The GPS-only classifier generally outperformed the ACC-only classifier across all accuracy metrics but both performed worse than the combined GPS and ACC classifier. GPS and ACC data can be used to reconstruct breeding events remotely, allowing unbiased, 24-h monitoring of individuals. Our resampling-based sensitivity analysis of classifier accuracy has important implications with regards to both device design and sampling schedules for study systems, where device size is constrained. It will allow researchers with similar aims to optimize device battery, memory usage and lifespan to maximise the ability to correctly quantify life history events.

Simple Summary: To better understand animals' ecology, mitigate threats and protect species effectively, it is necessary to know how all age and sex categories use the space over time. However, little is known about how many immature animals move throughout their dispersal period. Here, we describe the movement patterns of immature Andean condors during the immature stage, analyzing whether these movements differ according to age, sex and season. We found that immature condors display the longest home ranges and flight distances during warm seasons and when they are sub-adults. Males tend to have larger home ranges than females. The movement patterns we found were larger than those reported for adult condors, but also much larger than those reported for immature individuals from other vulture species. We highlight the importance of understanding and considering immature individuals' movements, the area they use and their capabilities of movement in conservation strategies. Immature individuals move from their natal area to the area where they settle and reproduce, and this may take several years. This process is essential for long-lived species such as vultures and condors, which spend long periods as immature and move extensively. We studied the movement behavior of 26 GPS-tagged immature Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) from northwestern Patagonia throughout the immature stage, analyzing whether these patterns differed according to age, sex and season. We found that season and age influenced home range size and flight distances, the warm season being when immature condors move most; movement patterns were greater in sub-adults than in juveniles. The age effect was associated with the sex of individuals, with males increasing their home range more than females. Our results provide the first description of how immature Andean condor movement patterns are affected by internal and external factors. This information could be key to understanding condor responses to environmental change and threats at different stages during their immature phase. Until now, condor conservation efforts have not considered the areas used by dispersing individuals. Our results increase our understanding of ranging behavior during the immature stage of this threatened bird, enabling us to improve the conservation policies and management strategies designed to protect them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opportunistic in‐water and aerial surveys in South Africa and the analysis of contributed citizen science data have extended the known range of reef manta rays Mobula alfredi along the eastern coast of Africa by 140 km (to Mdumbi Beach) and verified the first transboundary movements for the species. Additionally, six new long‐range dispersal records have provided evidence of connectivity with the M. alfredi population off the Inhambane coastline of Mozambique. Five of these records captured one‐way movements, the longest of which was an individual that travelled 505 km from Praia do Tofo to Sodwana Bay with 301 days between sightings. A single individual made a return trip between Závora, Mozambique and Sodwana Bay, South Africa (a total distance of ~870 km). These findings support the Convention on Migratory Species listing for the species, suggesting regional transboundary management units are warranted for this wide‐ranging elasmobranch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radio telemetry with very high‐frequency transmitters is a powerful tool for studying the movement patterns of animals. Although this tracking technology is widely utilized for various vertebrates, its application is limited to only a fraction of large‐bodied insect species. Among them, beetles are the most popular insect group used for radio‐tracking due to their relatively large body size, solid exoskeleton, and to some extent the well‐known ecological background of some species. Here, we review the available literature about radio telemetry applied to beetles, focusing on current methodological advantages and constraints to record their movement, as well as how this method can assist in understanding various ecological aspects of beetle life history. Regardless of the huge potential of radio‐tracking, the number of tracked beetle species is still very low, covering so far only 13 species belonging to five families that were studied almost exclusively in the Western Palearctic region. Most studies were descriptive, measuring simple trajectory parameters and examining movement behavior as a single strategy that is not triggered by any particular internal or external cues. Ecological aspects have been accessed to a lesser extent, especially in relation to the effects of abiotic factors and habitat use. There are still conceptual knowledge gaps: promising statistical approaches for movement analyses can connect movement patterns with specific habitat utilization but they are not yet used by entomologists. Moreover, knowing the movement patterns of many individuals and species can assist us to understand the composition and dynamics at the community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bonefish (Albula spp.) have ecological, economic, and cultural importance throughout their tropical and subtropical range. These fish reside primarily in shallow, nearshore habitats, and their movement patterns are largely dominated by tidal flows, thermal regime, and seasonal spawning migrations. Previous studies of their spatial ecology show that bonefish exhibit moderate site fidelity to specific tidal creeks and flats; however, to date, limited research has looked at movement patterns of bonefish that reside in small fringing reef flats, such as those found associated with some islands in the Caribbean. This study used fixed station acoustic telemetry to quantify the movement patterns of bonefish inhabiting small fringing reef flats in the nearshore waters of Culebra, Puerto Rico, for nearly 3 years. Bonefish inhabiting these flats exhibited high site fidelity and small home ranges, with limited movements to flats that were no further than 3 km away. Network analyses revealed distinct groups of bonefish that were associated with the specific reef flats where they were tagged. This high site fidelity has considerable implications for the risk of disturbance to bonefish inhabiting reef flats. These small, isolated groups of fish are likely vulnerable to localized impacts such as habitat degradation or harvest and highly dependent on these specific locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory species interact with different ecosystems in different regions during migration, making them more environmentally sensitive and therefore more vulnerable to extinction. Long migration routes and limited conservation resources desire clear identification of conservation priorities to improve the allocation efficiency of conservation resources. Clarifying the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of the utilization intensity during migration is an effective way to guide the conservation areas and priority. 12 Oriental White Storks (Ciconia boyciana), listed as an “endangered” species by the IUCN, were equipped with satellite-tracking loggers to record their hourly location throughout the year. Then, combined with remote sensing and dynamic Brownian Bridge Movement Model (dBBMM), characteristics and differences between spring and autumn migration were identified and compared. Our findings revealed that: (1) the Bohai Rim has always been the core stopover area for the Storks’ spring and autumn migration, but the utilization intensity has spatial differences; (2) differences in habitat selection resulted in differences in the Storks’ spatial distribution, thus affecting the efficiency of existing conservation systems; (3) the shift of habitat from natural wetlands to artificial surfaces calls for the development of eco-friendly land use mode; (4) the development of satellite tracking, remote sensing, and advanced data analysis methods have greatly facilitated movement ecology, even though they are still under development.