A Nail-sized GPS Backpack Helps Track Wildlife

The miniature devices developed by the scientists can be mounted on the back or paws of animals and are capable of

This will allow for a network of observations of organisms in their natural — and hard-to-reach — habitats.For example, in caves or in hollow tree trunks.

Devices have a motion detection function,connecting to GPS and Bluetooth, but at the same time they spend very little power to maintain their work. The length of the devices is from three to 12.5 cm (depending on the animal on which they are installed), and the weight ranges from 28 to 42 g.

According to the researchers, GPS backpacks will not only allow you to effectively track the movements and learn more about the lifestyle of certain animals, but also allow you toIn the past, some study species, such as bats, had to carry rather heavy trackers on their backs.

Checking the health of a network of severalDozens of devices on the bat population showed that she is able to accurately record events from the life of these bats, such as social contacts, movements and places in which they prefer to eat.

Earlier, HiTech described in detail how scientists monitor wildlife populations from space, what limitations exist and what future technology awaits.