GPS Tracking Devices Helping In The Study Of Animals

GPS tracking devices are helping scientists monitor endangered species such as the critically endangered blue crane which is South Africa’s national bird. The population is thought to be around 21,000 and is declining. Scientists attached small lightweight GPS transmitters to the bird’s shoulders with dental floss which rots away within two years. The GPS tracking devices are helping scientists to monitor which direction the birds fly in, also where there breeding grounds are.

GPS tracking devices can be used to monitor many species; one such species that is monitored a lot is elephants. Elephants roam vast distances and often tend to cross into different countries. Elephants often clash with humans as they roam, this can lead to confrontations which ends with elephants being killed and occasionally human beings.
GPS tracking collars are fitted to elephants which is helping scientists to build up a complete history of where certain elephant herds have travelled over a course of a year.

GPS tracking devices are helping scientists study the blue whale which up until now very little has been known about them. Small GPS devices are attached to their back which transmits a single each time they come to the surface to breath. This is enabling scientists to help in the fight go stop declining numbers.