Animal tracking

Animal tracking monitors animals’ movements over time using attached or implanted devices, such as satellite transmitters and geolocators. It reveals where animals travel and how they use their habitats.

GPS tracking: A method of estimating location from signals transmitted by satellites in the Global Positioning System. GPS tags calculate an animal’s position from satellite signals.
Animal migration: The regular movement of animals between regions, often in response to seasonal conditions. Tracking reveals routes, timing, and destinations of long-distance migrations.
Global Positioning System: A satellite-based navigation system that provides positioning and timing information worldwide. GPS tracking depends on this constellation to calculate tag locations.
Mark–recapture: A method that estimates animal populations by marking individuals and later sampling them again. It estimates abundance and movement indirectly rather than continuously logging positions.
Wildlife conservation: The protection and management of wild species, their habitats, and ecological processes. Movement evidence helps conservation plans account for animals beyond protected sites.
Satellite telemetry: The transmission of measurements from remote instruments to satellites and onward to receiving stations. Satellite-linked tags send animal locations without requiring recapture.
Home range: The area an animal uses for its ordinary activities over a defined period. Repeated locations show how much space an animal uses and where.
Geodesy: The science of measuring Earth’s shape, gravity field, and positions on its surface. Coordinate systems and Earth models affect how recorded positions are interpreted.
Camera trapping: The use of motion-triggered cameras to record wildlife at fixed locations. Cameras monitor visits to sites without attaching devices to animals.
Animal welfare: The physical and mental condition of an animal in relation to its treatment and surroundings. Capture, handling, and tag attachment can affect animals being monitored.

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