'There's an app for that': a new program for the collection of behavioural field data

Researchers have long sought an inexpensive, reliable, flexible and efficient method to collect behavioural data in the field. Techniques such as free-form notebooks, pre-prepared data sheets and audio/video recordings are inexpensive and require little training but are inefficient, requiring almost as much time to encode the data as to collect it. Conversely, current digital solutions remove the need for data entry after collection, but require users either to purchase commercial software and hardware, or to have the skills and time to design a software solution. This paper introduces a freely available application for the Android operating system, Prim8 Mobile, which can be used for any captive or wild animal study that uses a behavioural sampling protocol combining continuous focal follow, instantaneous scan, all-occurrence and/or ad libitum data. It can also be used to catalogue biological samples, such as animal tissues and faecal or plant matter. This application has been validated for consistency and stability on the Motorola A855 under both controlled and field conditions, including a 12-month field study of baboons in the southern region of the Kafue National Park, Zambia. Advantages of the application include the ability to import and alter protocols on the device, to backup and export the data without internet availability and to use the exported data directly in spreadsheet or statistical analysis software.