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Protocol to record multiple interaction types in small social groups of birds
Nikola Dragić1, Oded Keynan2, Amiyaal Ilany1
1Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel.
STAR Protocols
|November 17, 2022
Summary
This study details a protocol for collecting high-resolution social interaction data in Arabian babblers. The data supports multiplex social network analysis, offering insights into group dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Ethology and Behavioral Ecology
- Animal Social Network Analysis
Background:
- Understanding complex social structures in animal groups requires detailed interaction data.
- Previous methods may not capture the multi-faceted nature of social interactions within stable groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a standardized protocol for collecting high-resolution data on multiple social interaction types.
- To facilitate the application of multiplex social network analysis to avian social systems.
- To provide accompanying code for data analysis and visualization.
Main Methods:
- Habituation of Arabian babblers (Argya squamiceps) to observers.
- Systematic recording and classification of diverse social interactions.
- Development and validation of data processing and analysis scripts.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive protocol for collecting detailed social interaction data was established.
- The protocol enables the generation of datasets suitable for multiplex social network analysis.
- Associated code is provided for robust data testing, comparison, and visualization.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocol offers a robust framework for studying complex social dynamics in Arabian babblers.
- This methodology advances the potential for detailed multiplex social network analysis in behavioral ecology.
- The protocol's rigorous data collection ensures high-quality data for advanced analytical approaches.
