GPS Trackers Being Used to Slow Down the Decline in the Rhino Population

South African rhinos are being fitted with inexpensive GPS tracking sensors in a move to help protect the species. These prototype devices have been implanted in the horns of ten black and white rhinos and have been developed by the Sigfox Foundation alongside the Lowveld Rhino Trust.

With as few as 29,000 wild rhinos remaining in the world, researchers from the Foundation are understandably doing their utmost to ascertain the reasons behind their sharp decline. Just 20 years ago the number of wild rhinos was closer to 500,000 so this study is one that’s crucial to the future of the species.

By tracking individual animals, researchers can better protect them from the real threat of poachers. The GPS tracking devices also make it easier to understand their habits. It’s hoped that through collating and studying this information, researchers will be able to encourage the rhinos to breed. Ultimately, increasing the wild population.

Throughout the past months, the trackers implanted in the ten animal’s horns, have been sending out three secure GPS signals each day. These reach three base stations via the Eutelsat satellite and are received through a special secured platform. This technology has been internally developed by the Sigfox Foundation.

With the prototype battery life being from one to three years, as many as 33,000 data point can be utilized to track the endangered animals.

The initial phase of the trial, “Now Rhino Speak”, was run between July 2016 and February 2017 in a southern African conservation area with a 450-rhino population. The Sigfox Foundation is currently in partnership with three huge international organizations to further expand the trial and the conservation efforts.

Co-founder of the Foundation, Christophe Fourtet, was involved in the trial, alongside a team of four volunteers. His company’s technology has enabled the automated downloading of GPS positions at specific intervals. There is no human effort required whatsoever. It’s possible to see the physical positions of each rhino, thus, providing scientists with an enhanced understanding of the species.

The main goal and vision of the project is to create connected sensors for all wild rhinos the world over. The Sigfox Foundation is currently working on this with the aid of various animal tracking companies.

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