The way forward
Biologging has become indispensable for ecologists. Thus, we must guide it towards a rational use that further deepens animal knowledge while minimizing the associated risks. Stakeholders could face this challenge in two ways. First, authorities should implement more efficient evaluation committees for biologging projects which should only be authorized if their objectives and potential results are duly justified. To simplify this task, authorities may utilize decision rules based on expert knowledge, as occur with wildlife translocations (IUCN 2013). Second, data sharing enables common goals without undermining individual objectives, as demonstrated, for example, by collaborative projects emerged from COVID-19 pandemic (Rutz et al. 2020). These initiatives are roadmaps for collaborations promoting the exchange of experiences. Additionally, projects supported with public funds should include the mandatory requirement to make their data public after a reasonable embargo period. Recent European Directives, such as Directive 2019/1024/EU, point in this direction promoting the reuse of public information.
Biologging may be a powerful tool for ecology and biodiversity conservation. However, it has developed so quickly that its ethical limits have not been properly addressed. Thus, it is time to reflect on and look for the most optimal and ethical way to continue studying animal movement.