Wireless network helps scientists track small animals
April 2 (UPI) -- Researchers have developed a wireless network capable of tracking small animals tagged with sensors. The new technology -- described Thursday in the journal PLOS Biology -- could help scientists compile tracking data for local populations of small animals without relying on heavy transmitters and satellite communication systems. Automated tracking methods have made it much easier for scientists to study the behavior and migration patterns of animals species, but monitoring smaller animals still presents problems. Many tracking sensors are too heavy for smaller bird and mammal species, which account for the majority of the animal kingdom. Additionally, the use of satellite communication systems for the retrieval of local tracking data requires significant amounts of energ...
