Going wild: what a global small-animal tracking system could do for experimental biologists

Area of Science:

• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
• Conservation Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Current animal tracking technology is limited to large animals (>300g) due to power and size constraints.
• Small animals are crucial for understanding evolutionary processes, ecosystem services, and conservation issues.
• Existing tracking methods fail to capture the global movements and ecological roles of the majority of animal species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel satellite tracking system for monitoring small animals on a global scale.
• To establish the International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space (ICARUS) initiative to support this technological advancement.
• To address key 'Grand Challenges in Environmental Sciences' through enhanced small-animal tracking capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Development of miniaturized, low-power satellite tracking devices suitable for small animals (e.g., birds, bats, marine life, insects).
• Formation of the ICARUS initiative to create a scientific framework for global small-animal research.
• Leveraging space technology for widespread, long-term animal monitoring.

Main Results:

• The proposed system would enable global monitoring of animals down to the size of the smallest birds and bats.
• It facilitates quantitative assessment of dispersal and migration patterns in natural populations.
• Potential to address critical environmental science challenges, including disease spread and biodiversity impacts.

Conclusions:

• A global small-animal tracking system offers unprecedented insights into basic and applied ecological and evolutionary questions.
• This technology can help solve long-standing biological enigmas and inform conservation strategies.
• Modest investment in this system promises significant returns for understanding life on Earth and addressing societal challenges.