Síntesis y revisión crítica del uso de bio-registradores para aves marinas en Sudamérica, Synthesis and Critical Review of the Use of Bio-loggers for Seabirds in South America

Abstract

The development and use of complex electronic recorders of animal movement and behavior, with multiple sensors that record data at more than 50 Hz, produced outstanding advances in the knowledge of the ecology of many seabird species. However, in South America, most studies focus primarily on spatial usage, representing only a preliminary level of knowledge. The highest level of technological development and data analysis has been applied to only a few species and study sites. Although the combination of the use of sophisticated sensors (i.e., accelerometers and magnetometers) and the development of innovative programs for data analysis and visualization based on novel metrics have opened new scenarios for fine-scale research on movements and behaviors, these tools are still underutilized. This paper provides a synthesis of the variety of technological tools, their scope and the metrics available for the study of animal movement ecology. At the same time, it presents a critical review of the use of bio-recorders in seabirds and reflects on the need to deepen the knowledge of the ecology of this group in the region