Abstract 80 – Active or inactive – through the eyes of the camera and accelerometer

Tomasz Zwijacz-Kozica

Activity level is important information about an animal's biology and ecology. In the case of
brown bears, knowing the activity pattern also allows to take appropriate measures to prevent
conflicts with humans. However, obtaining data on this subject is not an easy task. Direct
observations, if possible at all, are most often of a very random nature. Therefore, attempts are
made to validate the accelerometer data and identify specific behaviors. Most often, direct
observations of animals in captivity are used for this purpose. In the case of free-living animals,
this is most often possible in relation to non-shy individuals who often roam in open spaces
near people. However, telemetry collars equipped with a video camera allow to look at the
behavior of animals leading a secretive lifestyle, e.g. wild brown bears. The aim of the work is to
compare information collected by an accelerometer and a video camera deploon the same
collar deployed on a young brown bear in the Tatra Mountains.