Estimating activity of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) using accelerometers

In this study, we tested the use of accelerometers for studying the activity of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). We modeled the activity of a male and a female subject by matching continuous focal observations from video recordings to sensor parameters derived from collar‐mounted accelerometers. Models achieved classification performance (AUC) of greater than 90% for both subjects, with similar results when subjects were cross‐validated. Accelerometer‐based estimates of activity had comparable accuracies to estimates from instantaneous sampling at 1 min and 5 min intervals. We further demonstrated the use of model estimates for analyzing circadian rhythm and night time activity of M. fuscata. Our results add support to the feasibility of using accelerometers for studying activity of nonhuman primates. We discussed the limitations, benefits and potential applications of remote‐sensing technology like accelerometers for advancing primalotogical studies.
Source: American Journal of Primatology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: NEW APPROACHES Source Type: research