Tracks of marine animals in the wild, now increasingly acquired by electronic tagging of individuals, are of prime interest not only to identify habitats and high-risk areas, but also to gain detailed information about the behaviour of these animals. Using recent satellite-derived current estimates and leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) tracking data, we demonstrate that oceanic currents, usually neglected when analysing tracking data, can substantially distort the observed trajectories. Consequently, this will affect several important results deduced from the analysis of tracking data, such as the evaluation of the orientation skills and the energy budget of animals or the identification of foraging areas. We conclude that currents should be systematically taken into account to ensure the unbiased interpretation of tracking data, which now play a major role in marine conservation biology.

Base de données des structures périglaciaires pléistocènes en France : description de la version accessible en ligne

No abstract

This paper reports seasonal variations in the insect component of the Antillean fruiteating bat (Brachyphylla cavernarum) diet based on the study of guano from a colony on Guadeloupe. Fecal pellet content reveals that insects, mainly phytophagous scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea), can form an important part of Antillean fruit-eating bat feeding patterns, primarily at the beginning of the dry season.