Wildlife researchers are now harnessing the power of the sun in order to track their subjects. A new variety of solar powered animal tracking devices are being used on many animals, from California condors to humpback whales. The devices provide scientists with a wealth of information about these animals, traditionally difficult to study.
Small and durable, these solar power animal tracking tags can help wildlife officials make better decisions when it comes to the management of wildlife and their habitats. One example is the grizzly bears of Yellowstone National Park. The whitebark pine, a staple food source of grizzly bears living in the park, has suffered a decline over recent years due to an insect infestation, negatively impacting this animal’s endangered population. If a tagged bear is spending a lot of time in one location, it gives researchers the opportunity to determine if the bear has found a new food source, which could lead to a change in their endangered species status.
With these solar powered trackers, scientists can get information on humpback whales even as they are diving far into the depths of the ocean, as well as condors soaring three miles up in the air. This tracking data provides information about flying conditions and where the condors can find food. Combined with meteorological data, this can help create maps of areas that show weather conditions conducive to supporting condor populations. This data can in turn help the US Fish and Wildlife officials with their efforts to protect and expand the population of these protected birds.
Using the power of the sun in this manner give scientists the opportunity to continue to protect a large variety of endangered species.
Featured Image from Sies Kranen/Unsplash
