Applying automated systems to monitor the behaviour and welfare of captive animals in complex environments

This project will develop the innovative use of automated systems for monitoring the behaviour and welfare of captive wild and other animals housed in large complex environments. Specifically, with project partner Chester Zoo, we will investigate the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) monitoring systems for automated data collection.

Animal welfare monitoring is paramount to animal caregivers when making management decisions. However, current methods are often highly labour intensive, involving real-time observation or manual analysis of video recordings. Observations are also impaired by difficulty of distinguishing individuals and poor visibility of subjects. Passive RFID tags transmit unique codes when triggered by a reader and can be automatically recorded whenever individuals move within range of static readers. Combined with video recording, this can assist automated tracking of individual behaviour in social groups. Since captive animals are routinely microchipped for identification, this opens the possibility to develop automated systems that gather data on individual welfare and health status. Recent advances are developing automated systems for continuous monitoring of laboratory animals in simple cages or to track livestock. However, new automated approaches are needed to assess behaviour within large and environmentally complex enclosures. 

In this project we aim to embed the use of new technologies utilising RFID systems with behaviour and physiological monitoring for animals residing in structurally complex managed environments. Working with leading scientists at both the University of Liverpool and Chester Zoo, you will develop broad skills and experience in applied animal welfare, animal management and advanced statistical analysis, with opportunities to present your work to a wide range of audiences. You will receive training in the management and welfare of captive animals, remote monitoring of animal behaviour, analytical techniques for assaying hormonal responses to stress and reproductive status, the design and implementation of rigorous controlled behavioural assays, use of R for data manipulation and statistical analysis, coding, ethics and best practice in 3Rs.

The project will be conducted across two sites: at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst Campus, utilising specialised facilities for studying animal behaviour, and at Chester Zoo, which houses over 500 species. Working closely with supervisors at both sites, you will develop novel methodologies to monitor animal welfare, the results of which will be directly implemented by animal care teams. The project therefore offers exciting opportunities to see real-time impacts of your research, as part of a team who are passionate about optimising animal welfare.

To apply to this project, email your CV and cover letter to the primary supervisor: p.stockley@liverpool.ac.uk