When You Hear “Tracking” or “Radio tracking transmitter” , many people picture scenes from spy movies when they hear the words “tracking” or “radio transmitter”—agents placing beacons on cars or people. In reality, however, this technology serves a much more peaceful and meaningful purpose: observing and protecting nature. Today, radio tracking of wild animals is a fundamental tool in ecological research, conservation programs, and even sustainable agriculture. The goal is not just to gather data, but to deeply understand the workings of ecosystems and support interventions that genuinely help preserve biodiversity.
For example, researchers in the Hortobágy National Park in Hungary use GPS-based collars to monitor the movement of great bustards (Otis tarda). These data help scientists understand how birds respond to changes in agricultural practices or atmospheric conditions. Similarly, tracking brown bears in the Börzsöny Mountains with radio collars helps map their territories and movement patterns—allowing for early warnings and the prevention of conflicts near human settlements.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of why animal tracking is important, how the technology has developed over time, what practical applications exist, and what scientific, technical, and ethical challenges are associated with this fascinating field.
Why Is Animal Tracking Important?
Observing the movement and behavior of wild animals is essential in ecological and conservation research. Tracking animals not only satisfies scientific curiosity but offers concrete benefits across multiple fields:
- Habitat protection: Data helps map key areas regularly used by a species, prioritizing them for conservation action.
- Migration and movement: Many species—such as birds or large mammals—migrate seasonally. Tracking reveals these routes and supports international conservation efforts.
- Human–wildlife conflict mitigation: Understanding the behavior of large carnivores (wolves, bears, lynx) can help prevent conflicts, and even enable early-warning systems.
- Invasive species monitoring: Movement of invasive species can be tracked for rapid intervention.
- Climate response monitoring: Tracking reveals changes in habitat use or activity patterns in response to climate change.
In Hungary, for example, studies of lynx in the Zemplén Mountains have shown that these animals avoid populated areas and stay within dense forests. This information supports the development of green corridors to connect habitats and reduce human–wildlife conflict.
Tracking data feeds into maps, behavior models, trends, and statistical analyses that guide conservation decisions.
Historical Background and Technological Development
The Beginnings – VHF Systems
The first radio tracking systems emerged in the 1950s–60s using VHF (very high frequency) technology. These devices emitted periodic signals detected by handheld receivers. The accuracy of location estimates depended on signal strength and direction but was heavily influenced by terrain, operator experience, and required intensive fieldwork.
The Rise of GPS-Based Systems
In the 1990s, the integration of digital technology and GPS (Global Positioning System) revolutionized tracking. GPS modules allowed for automated logging of location data, which could be stored onboard or transmitted remotely. This significantly increased accuracy and enabled daily monitoring of behavioral patterns.
Devices like the German-made e-obs GPS collars record not only location but also motion data via accelerometers. Another widely used device is from Lotek Wireless Inc., which transmits data via GSM or satellite networks. These tools are used globally on birds, mammals, and marine animals, becoming standard equipment for research institutes, universities, and conservation organizations.
Modern Systems – LoRa, GSM, and Satellite Communication
Modern tracking systems now support real-time data transmission via GSM networks or LoRa technology, which offers long range and low energy consumption. In remote areas without mobile coverage, satellite systems like Iridium or Argos ensure data transfer. These systems often include multiple sensors (accelerometers, thermometers, light detectors) that provide physiological data on the animals.
Operating Principles and Device Types
Basic Operation
Radio tracking is based on attaching a transmitter to the animal that sends out signals at regular intervals. In VHF systems, these are basic radio pulses, while GPS-based systems transmit digital data packets. A handheld or automated receiver detects the signal and calculates the animal’s location. GPS systems log data autonomously and often transmit it periodically to central databases.
Types of Devices
- Collar: For larger animals; stable and does not interfere with natural movement.
- Backpack: Used for birds; lightweight and aerodynamic design.
- Implantable transmitter: For small species (frogs, lizards), inserted subcutaneously or into body cavities.
Range and Accuracy
Performance depends on the technology and environment:
- VHF systems typically have a 1–5 km range.
- GPS-based systems offer 5–10 meter accuracy.
- GSM and satellite devices allow remote data retrieval.
Practical Applications
Wildlife Monitoring
Tracking wild animals like deer, bears, and foxes helps understand habitat preferences, responses to human disturbance, and supports conservation action. For example, white and black storks in Hungary are monitored using GPS collars to study migration.
Livestock Monitoring
Tracking is increasingly used in agriculture to monitor grazing animals, detect missing individuals, or identify illness early. Devices support operational decisions for farmers by collecting:
- Activity level: Detects abnormalities like immobility, which may indicate illness.
- Body temperature: Alerts for fever conditions.
- Heart rate and respiration: Found in advanced models, giving detailed health status.
- Proximity to other animals: Helps monitor herd cohesion or isolate outliers.
These data support early disease detection and spatial management, such as rotational grazing or feed planning.
Conservation and Rehabilitation
Post-release tracking of rehabilitated animals allows monitoring of natural behavior and survival in the wild.
Benefits and Challenges
Scientific and Practical Benefits
Radio tracking provides accurate data for modeling population movements, behavior, and survival. It informs conservation planning, habitat management, and intervention design. In agriculture, it helps optimize livestock care and reduce losses.
Technical and Ethical Challenges
- Devices must not exceed 3–5% of body weight.
- Attachment stability, surgical requirements, and stress effects are key concerns.
- Projects must comply with animal welfare standards.
Power Supply and Data Security
Battery life remains a challenge. New devices may use solar charging or motion-based energy recovery. Data encryption and redundant storage are essential for data integrity.
Future Prospects
The future of tracking lies at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and automation. These developments promise significant improvements in conservation efficiency.
Ongoing Initiatives
Hungarian and international teams are exploring pilot projects. At the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, researchers are combining GPS collars with temperature sensors to detect infectious diseases in cattle. Meanwhile, MATE (Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences) and WWF Hungary are studying Carpathian lynx movement in the Börzsöny and Zemplén Mountains using automated data analysis.
These projects demonstrate how technology enables detailed real-time behavioral monitoring with minimal human disturbance.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis
AI and machine learning enable fast, automated analysis of large datasets, identifying behavioral patterns, territory shifts, and social interactions—crucial for conservation decisions.
Drones and Automated Systems
Drones now play an increasing role in fieldwork, covering large areas to detect signals and visually locate animals. Autonomous drones can collect data with minimal human involvement.
Open Data Platforms and Global Collaboration
Platforms like Movebank enable global data sharing, supporting harmonized species conservation, knowledge exchange, and coordinated interventions, especially for migratory species.
Radio tracking has opened new dimensions in ecology and conservation. It’s not just a research tool—it bridges technology and nature. With ethical use and advanced data analysis, we can contribute to wildlife protection in more effective and sustainable ways. The goal is an ethical, transparent, and collaborative conservation system where animal welfare, scientific expertise, and public support work hand in hand.