Since the 1980s, scientists have used tracking devices to aid in the understanding of animal migratory patterns and territories. Originally, scientists depended on equipment such as radio telemetry, but more recently, technological advancement has led to GPS tracking devices that can be tailored to specific animal’s physiques. These devices are usually attached as radio collars (around the neck) for most tetrapods or are attached in a back-pack like fashion for birds. While the benefits of tracking devices are clear, I cannot help wondering: how can the heavy equipment attached to animals that depend on speed and agility for survival not have a seriously negative impact on the animal’s behavior and, thus, survival chances?
Recently, I wrote a proposal for testing the impact of GPS tracking devices on the common ovenbird. In my research, I learned that few studies have been done to test the effects of tracking devices on animals. However, the few experiments that have been conducted have all confirmed that animals with implemented tracking instruments are negatively impacted in various ways. First, the procedure for attaching a tracking device can be quite invasive, especially for a larger animal that must be put down for a significant period of time. Second, the size and positioning of the device can create drag and throw off and animal’s balance. Third, social animals, such as wolves, that have been handled by humans and removed from their social groups for a period of time, might face shunning and behavioral differences from their pack. And lastly, a device may catch on something in the animal’s environment or might expose an animal that depends on camouflage.
These impacts paired with animal ethics call into question the use of tracking devices. While the benefit to the scientist and potentially the animal species as a whole in the future is important, the detrimental effects of tracking mechanisms may throw off scientific data and put an animal in harms way. My hope is that in the future, scientists think more carefully about the consequences of implementing bulky tracking devices or find solutions to the various problems these tracking devices pose for animals.
Recently, I wrote a proposal for testing the impact of GPS tracking devices on the common ovenbird. In my research, I learned that few studies have been done to test the effects of tracking devices on animals. However, the few experiments that have been conducted have all confirmed that animals with implemented tracking instruments are negatively impacted in various ways. First, the procedure for attaching a tracking device can be quite invasive, especially for a larger animal that must be put down for a significant period of time. Second, the size and positioning of the device can create drag and throw off and animal’s balance. Third, social animals, such as wolves, that have been handled by humans and removed from their social groups for a period of time, might face shunning and behavioral differences from their pack. And lastly, a device may catch on something in the animal’s environment or might expose an animal that depends on camouflage.
These impacts paired with animal ethics call into question the use of tracking devices. While the benefit to the scientist and potentially the animal species as a whole in the future is important, the detrimental effects of tracking mechanisms may throw off scientific data and put an animal in harms way. My hope is that in the future, scientists think more carefully about the consequences of implementing bulky tracking devices or find solutions to the various problems these tracking devices pose for animals.
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Images sourced from wildlife.org and nps.gov