Use of an 'on board' datalogger to determine lizard activity patterns, body temperature and microhabitat use for extended periods in the field

Abstract

We describe a technique developed to provide continuous long-term records of movement by individual lizards in the field. Using a small, lightweight and robust activity logger we are able to record over short intervals the number of strides taken, the body temperature and the incident light intensity on the dorsal surface of an animal. Using these data, activity patterns, behaviour and microhabitat choice can be determined in the absence of an observer, thus reducing biases due to observer presence. In our study the logger stored recordings every 2 min for 15 days.