GPS tracking helps “Critically Endangered” Blue Crane

GPS helps humans with real time directions (GPS navigation), real time fleet tracking and in many other useful ways. Now, GPS tracking technology helps humans help endangered species like South Africa’s national bird, the “Critically Endangered” Blue Crane.

The total population of the blue crane, which is only found in seven countries, is estimated at 21,000 and in decline. So, conservationists fit the birds with GPS tracking transmitters that record their every move. The Times, a newspaper in Johannesburg, South Africa, spoke with conservationists:

“I’m very chuffed about it,” said Bradley Gibbons, regional coordinator for the Karoo Crane Conservation Project. “We should be able to get incredibly important information about how far and in what direction the birds move.”

The devices, once attached to the speedy birds, will help conservationists monitor their mating habits. The lightweight GPS transmitters, measuring five by three centimeters, were attached to the birds’ shoulders with dental floss. Floss is used because it rots away after two years.

“It’s actually painless for the birds,” said Gibbons. “They remain very calm when you catch them.”

How do you feel about animals being studied this way? Have you heard of other ways GPS tracking has helped animals?

Tags: blue crane, critically endangered, GPS, GPS animal tracking, GPS bird tracking, GPS conservationists, GPS endangered species, GPS South Africa, GPS tracking, GPS tracking unit, GPS transmitter

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 7:45 am and is filed under Animal tracking, GPS benefits, GPS operation, GPS-other uses. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.