08 Apr Continuous Improvement is the Name of the Game at Wildlife Computers

At Wildlife Computers, we are dedicated to continuously enhancing our wildlife tracking technology to serve researchers and scientists. Our mission is to design, manufacture, and support a wide variety of telemetry instruments that help track animal behavior and environmental conditions with minimal impact on the animals. Two recent examples of our commitment to innovation are the Payload Recovery Device and the SPLASH10-434.

Payload Recovery Device

Payload Recovery Device

The Payload Recovery Device is specifically designed for pinnipeds, such as seals, sea lions, and fur seals. It offers a robust solution for recovering valuable data with minimal disturbance to the animal. Key benefits include:

• Remote Release: The device can be triggered from over 200 meters away, allowing researchers to initiate the release on demand.
• Rugged Design: It withstands the harsh conditions of onshore environments and can survive depths up to 2,000 meters.
• Multi-Use: The device can be refurbished for multiple deployments, making it a cost-effective option.
• Recovery Aids: Features include Argos locations, UHF radio beacons, and strobe lights to facilitate easy recovery.
• No Shipping Restrictions: Unlike other release mechanisms, this device has no shipping restrictions, making it convenient for global research projects.

Recent improvements to the Payload Recovery Device include enhanced heat resistance and reliability, ensuring that it performs optimally in various environmental conditions.

SPLASH10-434

SPLASH10-434

The SPLASH10-434 is the latest iteration of our SPLASH10 series, replacing the SPLASH10-312. The SPLASH10-434 is designed for tracking vertical and horizontal movements of sharks. This tag is designed to position the antenna high on the fin to improve Argos transmissions. The tags are equipped with sensors for depth, temperature, wet/dry, and optional light levels.

Key features of the SPLASH10-434 include:

• Improved Reliability—equipped with a new, more reliable battery.
• Enhanced Mounting—mounting holes are standardized to match other Wildlife Computers tags, simplifying deployment.
• Reduced Drag—designed to minimize drag, ensuring that the tag does not interfere with the animal’s natural behavior.

Advancement in satellite tracking technology is driven by ongoing collaboration between researchers, scientists, and technology developers. By understanding the evolving needs of the scientific community, innovations in tag performance, reliability, and functionality are continually pursued. This collective effort supports pioneering wildlife studies, wildlife tracking technology plays a crucial role in advancing conservation efforts and informing effective management strategies.