The project
Biologging is an increasingly important tool for understanding the ecology and behaviour of wildlife. Miniaturised devices, including VHF radio transmitters, accelerometers, magnetometers and GPS systems, make it possible to collect detailed data on animal movements, space use and activities under natural conditions.
Our research focuses on applying these technologies to amphibian and reptile species, with particular attention to device miniaturisation and the assessment of their effects on animals. The aim is to obtain information that supports species conservation without compromising animal welfare.
Several threatened amphibian and reptile species have been studied during the project using integrated approaches combining radio telemetry, biologging and movement analysis.
Aims
The research activities aim to:
- develop and test biologging methods suitable for small vertebrates;
- assess the effects of tracking devices on animal behaviour and locomotor performance;
- reconstruct movement patterns by combining accelerometers and magnetometers through dead-reckoning techniques;
- describe space use, home range and habitat preferences of the studied species;
- identify periods of activity and behaviours associated with different environmental conditions;
- provide scientific data to support conservation and management strategies.
Expected results
Biologging technologies provide high-resolution information on animal behaviour that is often impossible to collect through direct observation alone.
The collected data make it possible to:
- understand how amphibians and reptiles use their habitat throughout the day and across seasons;
- identify key areas for feeding, shelter and reproduction;
- improve knowledge of the ecology of threatened species;
- develop increasingly less invasive monitoring protocols;
- support evidence-based conservation programmes.
Methods
The research integrates several monitoring techniques, including:
- VHF radio telemetry to locate individuals in the field;
- accelerometers and magnetometers to study behaviour and reconstruct trajectories through dead reckoning;
- GPS devices for high-precision spatial monitoring;
- harmonic tracking systems for small individuals;
- statistical and spatial analyses to estimate home ranges and habitat preferences.
Conservation
The information obtained through biologging helps improve the management of natural populations and supports the development of more effective conservation actions. Understanding where animals move, which habitats they use and how they respond to environmental pressures is essential for protecting species increasingly threatened by climate change and habitat loss.
Publications
- Nesi P., Toscani D., Guidotti M., Scaccia A., Macale D., Catoni C., De Pascalis F. & Vignoli L. (2026). To track or not to track? Evaluation of the influence of tracking devices on toads. Animal Biotelemetry.