Accelerometry predicts prey-capture rates in the deep-diving king penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus

Remotely estimating prey-capture rates in wild animals is key to assess foraging success. In diving animals, accelerometers have been particularly useful remotely detect prey captures and shown be more precise than traditional estimates relying on depth-derived measures (e.g., wiggles). However, validations of the accelerometry technique using a gold standard (i.e., with supervision) mostly restricted shallow species, which can equipped camera-loggers for visual validation events. species near euphotic limit (150–200 m), remain untested due difficulty validating such methods darkness at extreme depth wild. addition, prey-pursuits low-light conditions might not result intense long-duration acceleration signatures, as predator–prey perception likely occurs close-range dark “visual-interactions hypothesis”). We combined beak-opening sensors (for validation) recorders deep-diving seabird, king penguin Aptenodytes patagonicus, describe create predictive models accelerometers. Surprisingly, pursuits were similar duration (3.9 ± 3.5 s) intensity (0.78 0.31 g) shallow-diving reported by studies. As signatures distinct, accelerometry-derived variables almost twice accurate (Mean-squared error = 8.6) predicting events (“wiggles”, Mean-squared 16.0). outperforms measuring intake highlighting usefulness animal behavior.