Many research entities and conservation organisations have a heavy focus on the collaring of wildlife, particularly when it comes to endangered species.
Although differing techniques or technologies may be used, collaring is still the most popular method of reliably tracking the live locations of animals, and has enabled extensive research into the movements and dynamics of various individuals and species. Outside of this, it has also proven to be an effective method of conservation in terms of protecting endangered species from poaching and snares.
Each collar is adjustable and is fitted to an animal snugly - not too tight so as to restrict normal function, but not so loose to be able to fall off. Collars are fitted with some form of tracking device, usually able to be set to upload GPS co-ordinates at chosen time intervals, which are sent to a server that tracks all locations across the various time frames. They are also fitted with either a long-term battery system or a solar-powered unit to power the GPS tracker.
Particular species of interest in recent years have included wild dogs, elephants, cheetahs and lions, but recently spotted hyenas, impalas and buffaloes have been added to this list. Questions which may be answered in the broader understanding of wildlife movements and interactions using these tracking devices include: How do various packs of wild dogs move and interact with each other? What average distance does a bull elephant or a pack of wild dogs move in a day, and how does this change seasonally? Do animals stay within fenced areas, or move between fenced areas? Will lions allow individuals from other prides into their territories when conditions limit resource availability? These are considered to be general questions within the scope of broadening our understanding of each species and each area. This could also include collaring newly released or rehabilitated animals to keep track of their movements, and hopefully prevent
unnecessary mortalities by monitoring them more closely until they are fully adjusted to their new environment.
More focused questions, which have proven to be even more vital as of late, include: Where are Cape Vultures nesting with habitat loss affecting historical nesting sites? Can collars that also transmit heart rates or breathing rates be used to save rhinos from poaching incidents? Can previously unknown areas that are used in high density by endangered species be identified and converted into protected areas if they fall outside of existing areas under protection?
By using varying available data from the tracking devices, it is now possible to detect changes in breathing rates of animals, and when combined with GPS locations can enable us to be notified when an animal may be injured, for example. New technology being used on rhinos can detect when a rhino may have been shot and needs immediate medical assistance, giving a quick enough time frame to hopefully save the animal from an otherwise almost certain death.Pin-pointing an animal needing to be treated has never been easier - and we are grateful for it!
Tracking devices for animals can be as small as an animal ID tag on a pet’s collar, a small device attached to a bird’s back, a heavy-duty collar on a wild dog or elephant, a solar collar attached to a rhino’s ankle or even small solar-powered tag trackers attached to animals’ ears. Technology and live GPS tracking are changing the world of conservation, and we are privileged to be part of it whenever we get the chance.
by Tess Woollgar.