Data collection and storage in long-term ecological and evolutionary studies: The Mongoose 2000 system

Area of Science:

• Ecological research
• Evolutionary biology
• Wildlife monitoring

Background:

• Long-term, individual-based field studies are crucial for ecological and evolutionary research.
• Collecting and managing concurrent data streams from multiple wild individuals presents significant logistical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe data collection and storage challenges in long-term individual-based research.
• To introduce the Mongoose 2000 system, a mobile application designed to address these challenges.
• To evaluate the benefits and limitations of using such technology in field research.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Mongoose 2000 system utilizing portable computers (smartphones/tablets) and custom applications.
• Application of the system to the Banded Mongoose Research Project in Uganda.
• Analysis of data collection and storage efficiency gains and limitations.

Main Results:

• The Mongoose 2000 system offers a potential solution for efficient, concurrent data collection and storage from multiple individuals.
• Portable computing technology can mitigate common logistical hurdles in long-term ecological field studies.
• The system's benefits and limitations were identified through practical application.

Conclusions:

• Mobile technology, exemplified by Mongoose 2000, can significantly enhance data management in long-term, individual-based ecological research.
• The Mongoose 2000 app and source code are freely available, promoting wider adoption and adaptation for similar projects.
• This approach facilitates more accurate and efficient data gathering for wildlife studies.