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.