The goal of the project was to create a way to attach a tracking device that would
New and improved device prototypes forpolar bear tracing is currently being tested on polar bears in the Arctic. The removable tags that attach to the fur of the animals combine the already available satellite transmitters and innovative ways to attach them.
Researchers are studying the behavior of polar bears inThe Arctic to better understand the nature of their movement and habitat development, and are always looking for ways to improve existing technologies. The goal of the project was to create a way to attach the tracking device directly to the polar bear's fur for minimal impact on animals during research.
“Traditionally, to track bears, scientistsuse satellite collars that can only be placed on adult females, said Jeff York, senior director of environmental affairs at Polar Bears International. “You can’t put a collar on adult males because their necks are as wide as their heads, and young bears grow too quickly to be safely collared.” As transmitters became smaller in size, researchers tested ear tags and GPS implants. Ear tags must be permanently attached, and implants require minor surgery. The devices developed by 3M represent a big potential step forward—they can be used on all types of polar bears, and will allow us to obtain important data with the smallest possible impact.”
Four prototypes of new tracking tagsare being tested on polar bears in western Hudson Bay in far northern Manitoba, Canada, as part of efforts to tag and track a subpopulation of them. The tags will then be tested in zoos, which regularly conduct species conservation research. The prototype tags are non-toxic, removable and only attach to the bear's fur. The various prototypes used both existing 3M technologies and completely new ones.
There are prototypes with both mechanical fasteners,and with special adhesive solutions, and some of them have several technologies at the same time. All tags are required to withstand external phenomena: extreme cold, snow, salt water and some activities typical of polar bears, such as rolling in the snow. The Burdock on Fur approach allows the device to cling to and adhere to polar bear fur. In addition to tracking, improved tagging technology could provide opportunities to more accurately alert communities of approaching bears.
According to Krista Wright, executiveDirector of Polar Bears International, the development of new tags is important for research and conservation work on polar bears. As the Arctic continues to warm and sea ice melts, “creative and innovative advances in research methods and technologies are critical to further conservation efforts for polar bears and wildlife around the world.”
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