Wildlife tracking technologies have already massively advanced our understanding of the natural world, from uncovering previously mysterious migration patterns and key movement corridors to demonstrating the impacts of anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Recent advances in the development of technologies for collecting and transmitting biologging data have unlocked the potential for fine-scale data collection at a near-global scale, which when integrated with remotely sensed environmental data offers an unprecedented biological lens into ecosystem health and environmental change (Jetz et al. 2022).
New technologies on the horizon include small satellites like CubeSats, which are being investigated by NASA, the ICARUS Initiative's satellite system, and a variety of other ventures aiming to improve the coverage, accuracy, and capacity of wildlife tracking data collection. Combined with the increased availability of high-resolution environmental data and analytical developments in movement modeling, these advancements are empowering movement ecologists to ask previously unanswerable or unimaginable questions. It’s clear that this discipline sits at the precipice of major breakthroughs that could revolutionize our understanding of animal movement and the natural world.
February 2023
December 2022
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Carly Batist
October 2022
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Stephanie O'Donnell
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Carly Batist
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| Description | Activity | Replies | Groups | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The folks at Save Vietnam's Wildlife do a lot of work with pangolins, and might have some good thoughts to share: http://www.savevietnamswildlife.org Paul |
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Biologging | 5 years 10 months ago | |
| Hi, I would be looking at tagging a select number sturgeon fish in Georgia (Eurasia). Currently estimates have their popultion at around 10,000 and I am thinking of... |
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Biologging | 5 years 11 months ago | |
| Hi! Here is a good resource for choosing between GPS and RF transmitters. http://www.lotek.com/vhf-or-gps-for-wildlife-... |
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Biologging | 6 years ago | |
| Hi! Information I'm looking for also includes needed cost, design specifications, concerns with designs in use now, pictures of transmitters attached to pangolins, or... |
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Biologging | 6 years ago | |
| Hi Michael I made some progress on a Java library and little GUI but I did not finish it. Although I managed the boring stuff, unpacking the DSG files and put some nifty... |
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Biologging | 6 years 2 months ago | |
| Hi there Check out Microwave Telemetry at http://www.microwavetelemetry.com/bird/GSMspecifications.cfm Sirtrack may also be worth checking out (though I'm not sure what... |
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Biologging | 6 years 3 months ago | |
| Hello again! An interesting paper exploring the new technologies being used to study cetaceans has a section devoted to what they term high-resolution... |
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Biologging | 6 years 5 months ago | |
| Hi Steph, the survey is closed now, and I'm in the process of screening data. I hope to start with the analysis soon. So unfortunately, nothing new or exciting yet... |
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Biologging | 6 years 6 months ago | |
| A new podcast from Scientific American with Wildlife Conservation Society researcher Ullas Karanth, who originally trained as an... |
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Biologging | 6 years 7 months ago | |
| John Vidal has published a neat article in The Guardian about how the animal internet and digital tracking of animals is offering new data... |
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Biologging | 6 years 7 months ago | |
| Hi Guys, I am currently a zoology undergraduate at Queen Marys London, and was just wondering if there is much use of telemetry still... |
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Biologging | 6 years 8 months ago | |
| I tweeted about it! |
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Biologging | 6 years 8 months ago |
pseudoranges
31 January 2023 9:10pm
1 February 2023 7:32am
It looks like fastLoc is actually developed by Wildtrack Telemetry Systems Limited (and used by Wildlife Computers and SMRU)
I believe the "nanoFix" of Pathtrack is similar:
Here is a nice presentation of the fastLoc system:
It would be great if more producers would use an implementation like Telonics' QFP, where the pseudoranges step in as a backup method when the normal GNSS fix fails.
1 February 2023 8:38am
I really agree with you that this technique of using pseudorange positioning is important in animal tracking, and if this technology is open source it will really boost the development of DIY tagging greatly. Thanks for sharing!
Telemetry and tracking Snakes
30 January 2023 2:44pm
31 January 2023 6:29pm
Hi Huascar!
I have no experience with tracking snakes.
If I was you, I would start by having a look at a goggle scholar search like this:
Another place to ask for advice from experienced users would be to find some snake tracking researchers on
Good luck!
Field testing of a radio telemetry system to be deployed in the sea.
24 January 2023 6:52am
27 January 2023 1:30pm
Hi Hari,
A simple test we do is pump the unit up slightly (maybe 1 psi), and check for bubbles. It's like fixing a flat on a bicycle. The positive internal pressure opens up and exposes any questionable seals. Most of the leakage problems tend to be of the shallow water variety, which this test finds. Deep water leaks are more rare, since the pressure tends to close up any cracks.
Otherwise the SOP is to lightly grease all O-rings and seals, and assemble the unit in the lab to prevent sand etc. from sticking to the greasy O-rings.
Thanks
Advanced Field School in Computational Ecology
25 January 2023 2:54pm
Western Section of The Wildlife Society 2023
25 January 2023 2:09am
Repository for 3D models of tracking devices
14 September 2017 2:29pm
3 October 2017 6:33pm
3D model of custome-made GeoTrak GT-65GS-GPS with slanted front face (adapted from http://www.geotrakinc.com/products/solarGPS/PTT-65g-solarGPS.html).
Known flaws: Size and shape of attachment loops are not correct: the actual material is too thin to allow for a strong 3D printing so I decided to make the loops thicker; the actual loop hole is also slightly wider. Base of antenna is shorter than actual one. Actual device has smoother angles and slightly convex top (where the solar panels are).
The 3D print will need to be sanded to smoothen the edges and to get the soft angles of the original design. I also designed the tag with a hole where the back solar panels should be: this is to add weight (metals nuts and bolts) to reach a final mass of 65g.
Attached files:
gt-65gs-gps_slanted_3d.skp_.pdf: SketchUp 2016 file. Change file name back to .skp
gt-65gs-gps_slanted_for_3d_print.stl_.pdf: Printing file. Change file name back to .stl
Yvan
20 September 2018 6:01pm
Hi Yvan,
Steph directed me to this awesome resource. These units look so well made! Are you potting in the solar panels? Also, if you are interested, we've been working on a timed drop-off for avian tracking devices similar to this, which I am happy to share details about.
Anyway, in the spirit of your efforts, we've uploaded some collar housing designs and associated .stl files to our Website here: https://www.wildspy.com.au/resources.php
Shall add more as we design more.
Great initiative Yvan!
Cheers,
Rob
19 January 2023 10:38pm
I Rob, I just saw your message today (19 Jan 2023)! It's a bit late to reply but I wanted to make sure the tag manufacturer got the credit on the quality of their work. I'm not the manufacturer (just a user): these are made by Keith LeSage at Geotrak Inc, North Carolina, USA. We've beein working with them for about 10 years now and all their tags are as good looking as these.
Firetail Fellowships
19 January 2023 12:11pm
I'm a software engineer/data scientist at Schäuffelhut Berger. We're developing Firetail a software for GPS and acceleration visualization and behavioral annotation.
We have just launched our Firetail Fellowship Program which may be a great way to get access to a full Firetail license for your student project. Let me know if you have questions or comments on this!
Apply Now: AI for Conservation Office Hours
18 January 2023 5:15pm
How do I fit GPS satellite tags to remotely monitor giraffe movements?
18 January 2023 9:05am
Interview for Technologies in Conservation
24 November 2022 10:07am
16 January 2023 2:42pm
I'd be happy to chat with you if you wanted! My expertise is within passive acoustic monitoring particularly. The Conservation Tech Directory might be useful for you in identifying relevant actors within the space.
16 January 2023 5:16pm
Happy to contribute [email protected]
17 January 2023 5:12pm
My original background is in ecology and conservation, and am now in the elected leadership of the Gathering for Open Science Hardware which convenes researchers developing open source tech for science. I am not working on a specific piece of technology right now, but am happy to contribute some higher-level views for your interview if that helps.
Wildlife Telemetry Podcasts
9 January 2023 11:49am
9 January 2023 12:22pm
There is also this one:
featuring @ThomasGray_Argos
Very cool, Thomas!
16 January 2023 5:04pm
Hey, I know that guy : )
How tracking technology is transforming our understanding of animal behaviour
Louise Gentle
16 January 2023 3:14pm
Case Study on Monitoring Aquatic Species with Gliders and Biologging Gear
13 January 2023 3:51am
Here's a fascinating new case study on Ocean Tracking Network's work with underwater gliders to track tagged marine species like crabs. If you're interested in biologging, marine tech, or fisheries' tech usage, take a few minutes to read this!
extending battery life with solar panels
27 February 2019 7:47am
4 January 2023 2:14pm
Hi Matthew,
I am not entirely sure how the collars have failed since we loose them after failure despite a big effort in recapturing the animals. In one case where we did recapture, the UHF long range communication was gone but data was downloaded after the collar came in near visinity of the base station. Ecotone makes a similar collar with a drop-off mechanism but I have not tried it.
12 January 2023 1:56pm
Hi Peter, we manufacture solar powered Iridium trackers for birds, crocs/alligators and collars for various species. Our longest standing unit is a 55g unit on a Vulture and has been going for 4 years, providing data on an hourly basis. Our croc units include a pressure/depth sensor and provide details of depth and time at depth. Most of our devices include a VHF transmitter which is fully configurable over the air (you can change frequency, pulse duration, pulse interval and operation times - good for security).
12 January 2023 3:08pm
Hi Greg! Your Iridium tags sounds really interesting. I tried looking you up on
but there is not much to be found. Can you provide more details and images of your tags?
Cheers, Lars
Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
11 January 2023 5:00pm
NomaTrack and the LoRa-DTN protocol
26 March 2021 8:26pm
LoRA is registered in most places. With Starlink offering more and more service it would be possible in the future to transmit remote images through satellite once it is available in Madagascar. Power consumption of Starlink is big though.
4 January 2023 2:07pm
Hi Carly!
Since LoRa and LoRaWAN are meant for low bandwidth data it is not really feasible to use for transmitting remote audio and image data. It could be very valuable to have metadata like battery levels and trap "levelness" sent back to get an idea of the power and physical state of the traps. I am dreaming of something like this for our remote camera traps used for monitoring arctic fox dens in Greenland. They are not rarely turned over by muskox and polar bear and we are consequently loosing important data.
9 January 2023 3:36pm
The system is showcased here:
non-invasive technique to apply GPS collars without catching?
14 June 2021 12:01pm
6 January 2023 8:36pm
Yes, this is not very long considering the effort it takes to capture and tag a polar bear!
6 January 2023 11:07pm
It's a start though! Always happy to see people trying to innovate. Also I thought the intent was that they wouldn't need to capture the bears like you would for a collar? We were imagining a passive system where you would have an attractant and tags could be applied to a bear by rubbing against something.
8 January 2023 5:14pm
Hi Brett! The original poster @antoineede surely asked for automatic non-invasive deployments and it was intriguing to see that someone actually made such a system for mule deer as @Rob_Appleby pointed out. Here is a prototype from their paper:
I would love to see the wolf example too @Rob_Appleby, if you can find the reference.
In the polar bear example it was never the (initial) intention that the animals should not be captured.
It seems that they are basically looking for an alternative and less permanent way to attch the ear tags.
Here are some prototypes:
Image from:
It looks like they are actually using these Argos tags from Telonics:
I am generally a bit sceptical regarding a fully automatic tracking device deployment system. In most cases, a lot of measurements (size, weight) and samples (hair, blood, saliva etc.) are taken and observations (sex, age stage, breeding condition) are done and any meta data will increase the value of the tracking data itself tremendously. Also, one might want to sometimes decide not to tag some individual because of some unforeseen condition. I would rarely just want some random collection of tracks from a number of animals you know nothing about. What about the challenge of simply restricting the system to tag only the targetted species? I guess a deliberate use if AI and computer vision could get some of these data but it is going to make the development of the system quite complex.
I still find it very interesting to follow the developments.
RFID Smart traps
23 April 2021 9:10am
5 June 2022 10:31pm
Hi Caitlin,
Years ago we designed a sort of similar 'trap', although it did not have the ability to actually capture/hold an individual. Our idea was a two capture occasion process: the first where animals in an area were physically captured and outfitted with RFID. Then, for a second capture occasion, we placed our 'traps' in the same area, with each trap having both an RFID logger and a trail camera. That way, we knew whether an individual caught on camera had an RFID tag or not (i.e. by comparing timestamps) and could work out if it was a new individual. Traps were actually tunnels made out of PVC drain pipe with two entrances/exits (so an animal wouldn't feel trapped), each of which had an RFID antenna fitted to the outside. The camera sat at the back of the tunnel so it could record animals entering or leaving from either entrance. Here's a picture: 
The RFID logger we used was this (LINK) although it looks like it's sold out. It had an auxilliary daughter board that could be used for the second entrance antenna (LINK). Antennas we used were these (LINK).
We never got to do a lot of testing, but in a pilot study it seemed to do ok. I am happy to share any relevant files etc., I have to build it all, but it sounds like you need something a lot more sophisticated. The logger from @sam_octanis looks amazing and so does Sarah Knowles'.
I was always keen on exploring the next logical step of this process to which was actually a device that could deploy tags if an animal wasn't tagged. Our idea was something akin to an 'orchid' which deposited a tag on the back of an animal while it was a feeding source. We figured some sort of glue would probably work (e.g. UV cured glue) although retention rates would be interesting. Might be long enough for a two or three capture occasion study though...
Anyway, I am happy to help if I can and could even send some of our gear to @Freaklabs if you end up collaborating as they no doubt could build a very suitable system for ya.
All the best,
Rob
7 June 2022 12:47pm
Hi Caitlin,
you might also look at this RFID logger sold by Labmaker:
Greetings from Austria,
Robin
6 January 2023 8:56pm
Here is another RFID resource/vendor:
GPS tacking tag for turtle doves - any recommendations?
11 August 2021 11:00pm
24 September 2021 3:12pm
Hi Chris,
I can say I've had some good experience with the Lotek Pinpoint tags that Rob mentioned.
You could also get in touch with ICARUS program at Max Planck (https://www.icarus.mpg.de/en). They've developed a new tracking system, with their own first reciever on the ISS. I think there are some limitations on the availability of their tags now as they're still ramping up their program.
Kyler
13 October 2021 6:13pm
Hi all! Just wanted to add in that @gracieermi and I maintain a conservation tech directory that includes all the tracking/telemetry companies we've come across so far - conservationtech.directory.
Currently listed doing a search of the directory -
Cellular Tracking Technologies - https://celltracktech.com/
Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) - https://atstrack.com/index.html
Ecotone Telemetry - http://www.ecotone-telemetry.com/index.php/en/oferta/obroze-telemetryczne
GPS Collars - https://www.gps-collars.com/
Lotek - https://www.lotek.com/
Microwave Telemetry - https://www.microwavetelemetry.com/
Milsar - https://milsar.com/
Technosmart Europe - https://www.technosmart.eu/
Telemetry Solutions - https://www.telemetrysolutions.com/
Telenax - https://telenax.com/
Telonics - https://www.telonics.com/index.php
Tigrinus - https://www.tigrinus.com.br/
Titley Scientific - https://www.titley-scientific.com/us/products/wildlife-tracking
Wildlife Computers - https://wildlifecomputers.com/
Xerius Tracking - http://www.xeriustracking.fr/
North Star - http://www.northstarst.com/
Migrate Tech - http://www.migratetech.co.uk/
e-obs GmbH - https://e-obs.de/
Africa Wildlife Tracking - https://awt.co.za/
Holohil - https://www.holohil.com/
Wildlife Materials - https://wildlifematerials.com/
Vectronic Aerospace/Vectronics - https://www.vectronic-aerospace.com/
Kiwi Track - https://kiwitrack.weebly.com/
6 January 2023 8:32pm
The solution with an ICARUS antenna on the ISS is on hold. It is planned that the GRACE-I will be the new satellite system to support the ICARUS:
GRACE-I is planned to be launched in 2027.
This mentions possible intermittent solutions:
I am a bit puzzled there is no mentioning of GRACE-I on ICARUS' own website:
Designing non-standard tracking collars
6 January 2017 8:40pm
24 February 2017 11:36pm
Hi,
i've build collars for quite a few "non-standard" collared species. I tend to modify cheap consumer GPS devices to do so. It's a few years old now, but attached is a link to a video I made on modifying GPS devices for wildlife.
https://youtu.be/UaSvS0grVjw
feel free to email me with any specific questions you have.
5 January 2023 7:59am
Have a look at this for an example of unconventional tracker designs:
GPS collars for goats
15 February 2022 3:45pm
18 August 2022 7:00pm
Can you expand on what you mean by "They are the only commercial, direct to satellite, animal monitoring ear tag"?
19 August 2022 2:00am
We were the world first commercial direct to satellite ear tag. There are collar base solutions that work direct to satellite.
3 January 2023 7:40pm
I have no experience with LoraWAN tracking myself but just wanted share a few relevant links for a LoraWAN wildlife use case and a few suppliers of LoraWAN trackers:
An alternative to LoraWAN could be UHF based systems like:
10 min fix intervals is quite high. You may need solar powered devices to keep up this high frequency.
Good luck!
Margo Luminous Beta Launch: New Tracking Collar Manufacturer
20 February 2020 5:30pm
3 January 2023 3:14am
Hi @Lars_Holst_Hansen I can provide an update. The initial beta units have completed testing and production of commercial units has begun. Low volumes so far but we are quickly ramping up.
The official launch should be in next month or so.
If you would like you can email [email protected]
To be notified early as soon as we have units available.
Brett
3 January 2023 5:05pm
Thanks Brett! I am not looking to buy anything any time soon but I am always curious to follow any new progress and developments in the market of biologgers.
Regarding the accelerometry I am curious to know which frequencies are supported. Have you considered magnetometry, too? This could obviously be useful in dead reckoning but also for inferring behavioural states (as shown in this paper).
3 January 2023 5:36pm
No problem. I believe Jared was wanting to share more about our experience developing a collar on Wildlabs when there is time. I'm more on the mechanical end of things. Right now we are focused on reliability and longevity. Thanks for the paper I'll check it out!
How to build my VHF tags from the scratch?
9 January 2019 10:04am
31 August 2021 2:01pm
Thank you Steph, I understand, my apologies everyone!:)
28 November 2022 11:01pm
Hi everyone, I’m not sure if this thread is still active, but i recently had a few clients asking for VHF trackers for assets being transported, I’ve created a few micro transmitters the last few weeks, extremely lightweight, steady & strong signal, variable pulse options, using a .3mm Nitinol wire for antenna, as well as the smallest discrete smd components on the market, but best of all the transmitter is able to steadily pulse for approximately 310 days using a silver oxide 1.5V button cell battery (imagine the transmission time with a few thousand mAh battery if size/weight wasn’t too critical), with a 20ms pulse every 1.2 seconds, I’ve attached pics to show size. if anyone is interested in making your own just message me please, I’d be happy to share build schematics and BOM, I have also made gerber files for anyone that wants them manufactured!
The transmitter should of course be incapsulated but here’s a PCB-less version to show you just how small it is.
29 December 2022 10:43am
@Tinytx Hello I am interested in details please contact me by email [email protected] thank you
Workshop Invite: Building Partnerships between Conservation Tech and the UK Space Sector
22 September 2022 3:50pm
5 December 2022 3:10pm
Hi Steph,
If it's not too late, I'm very interested in this workshop.
Best,
V
6 December 2022 5:52pm
Hey Vance! We hosted the workshop a few weeks ago, but we're doing follow up calls and future meetings. I'll loop you into the next call!
Steph
12 December 2022 12:03am
Hi Steph. Would be interested also.
Post Doctoral Fellow - Computer Vision/Arctic Avian Ecology
7 December 2022 4:21am
Underwater Camera Trap Video Confirms 1,100-Mile (1800-km) Swim of Tagged Great White Shark
WCS
25 October 2022 10:20am
Shark Lab Data Analyst
24 October 2022 7:12pm
Water leakage in aquatic tags at deeper depths
12 October 2022 12:37pm
20 October 2022 11:41am
Thanks a lot Alasdair, this is great. We will take this into consideration for our next testing phase.
Best
Hari
21 October 2022 4:12pm
I'll add - avoid fast curing resins/epoxies for, at least, two reasons:
1. The exothermic reaction between the two compounds can cause sensor issues (ie: heat).
2. Air bubbles will form (and cure) more easily in fast curing compounds.
23 October 2022 2:51pm
Thanks Thomas!! We do use slow curing resins with no heat generation
Conservation Technology Intern (Vietnam)
Meredith S. Palmer
19 October 2022 9:22am
Rainforest SigFox available for use
26 August 2022 6:09pm
26 September 2022 10:20pm
Hi Roland,
This is really amazing, great to hear about your set-up! I'm just wondering what the overall cost was to set up this system? Just thinking in terms of setting up something similar in other parks and what they should expect with regard to price. Would also be great to hear about the overall effort, e.g., hours/team members required. It would be great to have this act as a blueprint for other organizations/research stations wishing to deploy a similar system within their respective national parks/areas/etc.!
10 October 2022 8:33am
Hi Rolland,
Interested too, but why did you choose SigFox (a private network) rather than LoRa (open network)?
Sigfox currently has some financial troubles that, don't know what it will become in the long term.
18 October 2022 11:55am
Hi Everyone,
We chose sigfox becuase it seems to have better range and is plug-play, whereas LoRa requires more custom programming and updating. Getting a gateway cost us $2000 for a year's lease + deposit. We covered solar power. There are also some 'minigateways' you can purchase but I don't know how they compare in range (plan to test). So far we are happy with the performance, in that it has worked consistency with no outages (once we stabilized the power supply). I think the annual costs are about $10 per tag. We are working on a paper that will describe this in more detail. So far just using for tracking tags but also looking at a trap sensor.
cheers
Roland
1 February 2023 6:51am
It seems that Wildlife Computers has a similar technology, they call it “fastloc”, and the main application area is animals in the ocean