Scientists at the Australian National University have demonstrated a novel approach to wildlife tracking that leverages the vast network of mobile phones in urban areas. The method uses simple Bluetooth low energy beacons to track animal movements, offering researchers a cost-effective alternative to traditional tracking technologies.
Summary: Researchers have developed an innovative animal tracking system using Bluetooth low energy beacons and existing mobile phone networks, offering an affordable and efficient way to study urban wildlife movements and behavior. The system costs under $7 USD per beacon and can operate for up to three years.
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
A Revolutionary Tracking Solution
The new system overcomes major limitations of current tracking methods. Traditional GPS trackers, while precise, come with high costs and limited battery life. Other tracking systems require animals to stay within specific areas or close to detection equipment. This new approach offers regular position updates in any area with moderate to high population density.
“We know that wildlife exhibit fascinating responses to urban habitats, and the ability to cheaply and reliably track animals will help to unlock many secrets of our urban animals,” said Damien R. Farine, PhD, of the Australian National University.
Practical Applications and Field Testing
The technology has already proven successful in real-world conditions. Researchers tested the system on sulphur-crested cockatoos and white-winged choughs, demonstrating its capability to:
- Track movements consistently
- Map home ranges
- Study social networks among urban animals
- Provide high-frequency location data
The beacons are remarkably practical, weighing only 5-6 grams and operating for 1-3 years on a single battery. At less than $7 USD per unit, researchers can track larger groups of animals than ever before possible with traditional methods.
Glossary of Terms
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): An energy-efficient wireless communication technology
- Home Range: The area where an animal typically lives and moves
- GPS Tracking: Global Positioning System-based animal monitoring
- Social Networks: Patterns of interaction between animals in a group
- Gateway: A device that receives and transmits tracking signals
- Spatiotemporal: Relating to both space and time
Quick Quiz
- How much does each tracking beacon cost to produce?
- How long can the beacons operate on a single battery?
- What two bird species were used to test the tracking system?
Answers:
- Less than $7 USD
- 1-3 years
- Sulphur-crested cockatoos and white-winged choughs
For more information: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/2041-210X.14433
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