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3. We suggest a Boolean approach whereby critical changes in recorded parameters are 35 used as sequential templates with defined flexibility (in both time and degree) to 36 determine individual behavioural elements within a behavioural sequence that, together, 37 makes up a single, defined behaviour. 38

4. We tested this approach, and compared it to a suite of other behavioural identification 39 methods, on a number of behaviours from tag-equipped animals; sheep grazing, penguins 40 walking, cheetah stalking prey and condors thermalling. 41 5. Overall behaviour recognition using our new approach was better than most other 42 methods due to;(i) its ability to deal with behavioural variation and (ii) the speed with 43 which the task was completed because extraneous data are avoided in the process. 44 6. We suggest that this approach is a promising way forward in an increasingly data-rich 45 environment and that workers sharing algorithms can provide a powerful library for the 46 benefit of all involved in such work. 47