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March 31, 2020

How Latest Technology Helps Track Wildlife

Right from the earliest days of human civilization, animals have been studied by men for different reasons. There was a time when human beings used to follow animal tracks, keep a watch on them and creative interpretations. Many centuries down the line, tracking animal behavior is still necessary for human civilization. However, today, the reasons behind animal tracking have changed significantly compared to the past. These days, animal tracking is done mostly for research or by animal control specialists. Also, nowadays, there are several advanced technology tools that have made animal tracking easy and effective like never before. 



Mentioned below are some of the most popular technologies used for animal tracking.

VHF Radio Tracking: This tracking technology involves the use of a VHF radio and a radio transmitter. The animal is sedated and the radio transmitter is placed on its body. Once the transmitter is placed, it starts transmitting signals for a radio antenna and receiver. To locate animals using this technology, it is important for one to be able to pick up the signal emitted by the radio transmitter. Individuals with a receiver and an antenna can locate the animal on foot, from a vehicle, or from a plane by following the radio signal. The latest technological improvements have resulted in the creation of small transmitters that can be placed under an animal's skin or swallowed by an animal. 

Satellite Tracking: Though similar to VHF radio tracking, this technology sends signal to a satellite instead of sending radio signal to a radio receiver. The most important benefit of satellite tracking is that it doesn’t require the trackers to be near the animal for receiving the signal. Animals can be tracked conveniently using a computer.

GPS Tracking: This is one of the latest advances in animal tracking technology. In this process, a radio receiver is placed on the animals. These receivers are equipped to pick up signals from satellites. The receivers can also calculate the movement and location of the animal and send the gathered data to another set of satellites.  The data is then forwarded to the trackers by the second set of satellites.    

Remote Cameras: Remote cameras are extensively used these days by wildlife experts to locate animals, understand animal activity patterns, and estimate population numbers.  Remote cameras equipped with passive infrared (PIR) sensors are extremely popular these days because these systems can be set up easily and have a very large detection zone. Also, the sensitivity of these tracking systems towards vegetation movement is very low.

Camera Traps:  These are essentially remotely activated portable cameras that get triggered by motion through a motion or an infrared sensor.  Using a light beam as the trigger, these systems can capture wild animals on film in the absence of the trackers or the researchers. Remotely activated camera traps have been used for decades in ecological research.

Tracking Collars: These are some of the most common methods for monitoring wild animals. This technology allows researchers to collect baseline data such as diet, home range sizes, behavioral data, and daily movements. The study animal is fitted with a radio collar designed to maximize animal detectability and minimize the impact on animal behavior. Pulsed radio signals emitted by the transmitters attached to the animals allow physically locating and observing the animal with the help of a receiver and directional antenna. 

Light-level Geolocators: These tracking devices estimate location based on daylight.  Light-level geolocaters comprise an internal clock, a battery, a light sensor, and a computer capable of measuring and storing the sensor’s exposure to light. This technology is used mostly for monitoring bird behavior and movement.         



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