ryan-activitypatternsof-2013.pdf (1.26 MB)
Activity patterns of free-ranging koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) revealed by accelerometry
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posted on 2013-11-04, 00:00 authored by Michelle Ryan, Desley WhissonDesley Whisson, Gregory Holland, John ArnouldJohn ArnouldAn understanding of koala activity patterns is important for measuring the behavioral response of this species to environmental change, but to date has been limited by the logistical challenges of traditional field methodologies. We addressed this knowledge gap by using tri-axial accelerometer data loggers attached to VHF radio collars to examine activity patterns of adult male and female koalas in a high-density population at Cape Otway, Victoria, Australia. Data were obtained from 27 adult koalas over two 7-d periods during the breeding season: 12 in the early-breeding season in November 2010, and 15 in the late-breeding season in January 2011. Multiple 15 minute observation blocks on each animal were used for validation of activity patterns determined from the accelerometer data loggers. Accelerometry was effective in distinguishing between inactive (sleeping, resting) and active (grooming, feeding and moving) behaviors. Koalas were more active during the early-breeding season with a higher index of movement (overall dynamic body acceleration [ODBA]) for both males and females. Koalas showed a distinct temporal pattern of behavior, with most activity occurring from mid-afternoon to early morning. Accelerometry has potential for examining fine-scale behavior of a wide range of arboreal and terrestrial species.
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Journal
PLoS ONEVolume
8Issue
11Pagination
1 - 10Publisher
Public Library of ScienceLocation
San Francisco, Calif.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1932-6203Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2013, Public Library of ScienceUsage metrics
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