Using accelerometry to quantify prey attack and handling behaviours in piscivorous pike Esox lucius

Area of Science:

• Ethology
• Bio-logging
• Fish Ecology

Background:

• Understanding predator-prey dynamics is crucial in aquatic ecosystems.
• The predatory behavior of pike (Esox lucius) is well-documented but precise quantification of foraging events remains challenging.
• Accelerometers offer a potential non-invasive method for monitoring animal behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the use of accelerometer technology for assessing the foraging behavior of the teleost ambush predator, pike (Esox lucius).
• To compare automated handling time estimates derived from accelerometer data with traditional video-recorded behaviors.
• To identify practical solutions and limitations associated with using accelerometers in this context, including tag attachment, battery life, and data logging capacity.

Main Methods:

• Pike (Esox lucius) were fitted with accelerometers to record their movements during foraging trials.
• Prey-size-dependent handling times were automatically estimated using rule-based algorithms applied to accelerometer data.
• Accelerometer-derived behavioral data were compared with simultaneous video recordings for validation.

Main Results:

• Accelerometer data successfully captured distinct behavioral patterns associated with foraging in pike.
• Automated handling time estimates showed good agreement with video-assessed durations.
• Challenges related to tag attachment, limited battery life, and data storage capacity were identified as key constraints.

Conclusions:

• Accelerometer technology is a viable tool for quantifying foraging behavior and handling times in pike (Esox lucius).
• Further technological advancements are needed to overcome limitations in battery life and data logging for extended behavioral studies.
• This approach provides a foundation for future bio-logging studies on predator-prey interactions in aquatic environments.