Tiny cameras capture wildlife far from view

Researchers in Japan are using tiny cameras to capture the activities of seabirds that take place far from human view. These biologgers allow scientists to glimpse infrequent behaviors, such as diving into the water for food. By tracking observing these behaviors, researchers hope to better understand the lives of the birds on the open ocean.

The team uses artificial intelligence alongside low-power sensors to turn on the camera only when a behavior is taking place, saving precious battery life in the small units. Each unit weighs 23 grams—less than 5% of the body weight of the streaked shearwaters (Calonectris leucomelas) the researchers were studying. Researchers believe these cameras could be useful for to shed light on a wide range of cryptic species and unseen behaviors. 

Read the study in PNAS Nexus.