GPS animal tracking is a process wherebybiologists, scientific researchers, or conservation agencies can remotely observe relatively fine-scale movement ormigratory patterns in a free-ranging wild animal using theGlobal Positioning System (GPS) and optional environmental sensors or automated data-retrieval technologies such asArgos satellite uplink,mobile data telephony orGPRS and a range of analytical software tools.[1]
AGPS tracking device will generally record and store location data at a predetermined interval or oninterrupt by an environmental sensor. These data may be held pending recovery of the device or relayed to a central data store or internet-connected computer using an embeddedcellular (GPRS),radio, orsatellite modem. The animal's location can then be plotted against a map or chart in near real-time or, when analysing the track later, using aGIS package or custom software.
GPS tracking devices may also be attached todomestic animals, such aspets,pedigreelivestock andworking dogs.Some owners use these collars forgeofencing of their pets.[2]
GPS wildlife tracking can place additional constraints on size and weight and may not allow for post-deployment recharging or replacement ofbatteries or correction of attachment.As well as allowing in-depth study of animal behaviour and migration, thehigh-resolution tracks available from a GPS-enabled system can potentially allow for tighter control of animal-bornecommunicable diseases such as theH5N1 strain ofavian influenza.[3]
_male_Rio_Negro_2.JPG)
Collar attachment is the primary technique where the subject has a suitable body type and behaviour.Tracking collars are typically used on the animal's neck (assuming the head has a larger circumference than the neck)[4] but also on a limb, perhaps around an ankle. Suitable animals for neck attachment include primates, large cats, some bears, etc. Limb attachment works well in animals such askiwi, where the foot is much larger than the ankle.[citation needed]
Harness attachments may be used when collar attachment is unsuitable, such as for animals whose neck diameter may exceed that of the head. Examples of this type of animal may include pigs,Tasmanian devils, etc.[citation needed]Large, long-necked birds such as thegreylag goose may also need to be fitted with a harness to prevent the removal of the tag by the subject.[5]
Direct attachment is used on animals where a collar cannot be used, such as birds, reptiles, andmarine mammals.
In the case of birds, the GPS unit must be very lightweight to avoid interfering with the bird's ability to fly or swim. The device is usually attached by gluing or, for short deployments, taping[6] to the bird. The unit will then naturally fall off when the bird subsequently moults.
In the case of reptiles such ascrocodiles andturtles, gluing the unit onto the animal's skin orcarapace usingepoxy (or similar material) is the most common method and minimises discomfort.[7]
In deployments on marine mammals such asphocids orotariids, the device would be glued to the fur and fall off during the annualmoult. Units used with turtles or marine animals have to resist the corrosive effects of seawater and be waterproof to pressures of up to 200bar.[citation needed]
Other applications includerhinoceros tracking, for which a hole may be drilled in the animal's horn and a device implanted.[citation needed] Compared to other methods, implanted transmitters may suffer from a reduced range as the large mass of the animal's body can absorb some transmitted power.[citation needed]
There are also GPS implants for large snakes, such as ones offered byTelemetry Solutions.
Duty Cycle Scheduling - GPS devices typically record data about the animal's exact location and store readings at pre-set intervals known as duty cycles. By setting the interval between readings, the researcher can determine the device's lifespan - persistent readings drain battery power more rapidly. In contrast, longer intervals between readings might provide lower resolution over a more extended deployment.[8]
Release Timers - Some devices can be programmed to drop off at a set time/date rather than requiring recapture and manual retrieval. Some may also be fitted with a low-power radio receiver allowing a remote signal to trigger the automatic release.[citation needed]
Locational data provided by GPS devices can be displayed usingGeographic information system (GIS) packages such as theopen-sourceGRASS or plotted and prepared for display on the World Wide Web using packages such asGeneric Mapping Tools (GMT),FollowDem (developed by Ecrins National Park to track ibex) orMaptool.
Statistical software such asR can be used to display and examine data and may reveal behavioural patterns or trends.
GPS tracking devices have been linked to an Argos Platform Transmitter Terminal (PTT), enabling them to transmit data via the Argos System, a scientific satellite system that has been in use since 1978. Users can download their data directly from Argos viatelnet and process the raw data to extract their transmitted information.[9]
Where satellite uplink fails due to antenna damage, it may be possible to intercept the underpowered transmission locally using a satellite uplink receiver.[10]
GPS location data can be transmitted via theGSM mobile/cell phone network, usingSMS messages orinternet protocols over aGPRS session.[11] TheEPASTO GPS is dedicated to following and locating cows.
GPS data may be transmitted via short-range radio signals and decoded using a custom receiver.[citation needed]
It was believed that GPS collars used on animals affected their behavior. This theory was tested on elephants that lived in a zoo in the United States. They studied how the elephants behaved with and without the collars simultaneously for both scenarios and saw no change in behavior.[12]
A study was done with mantled howler monkeys to see if GPS Ball and Chain collars affected the monkeys behavior. The study involved observing a group of collared and uncollared female howler monkeys. There was no significant difference in the collared and uncollared behavior, but when the study was over, it was discovered that the monkeys had injuries. The collars had caused damage to the necks of the monkeys; one had minor scratches and some swelling, while four other monkeys had deep cuts from the collar. Two of the monkeys with the lacerations had their tissue healing over the collar.[13]
There is a need for Internet-enabled tracking collars for animals to be designed with a multiple-year lifespan to avoid interference with the animals. Satellite tracking devices are deployed in ultra-remote areas. To preserve battery power, the device only powers on when required. GSM or cellular technology is widely deployed where connectivity is available - however, GSM is also highly intensive on battery power. Devices, likeAirtag from Apple, either have a large battery or are only powered on when required, and may need to be constantly recharged.[14]
Sigfox or LoRa are new technologies powering the Internet of Things connectivity. These technologies are beginning to be deployed in remote areas due to their ease of deployment and incredibly long range. The advantages of these technologies for an animal tracking collar are that the device form size can be minimised, and the battery life is considerably extended. Sigfox has already covered large parts of the Kruger National Park in South Africa, allowing rangers to track smaller forms of wildlife better.[15]