The SPOT-S-433 is Wildlife Computers most compact solar Argos satellite tag for tracking the horizontal movements of free‑ranging marine turtles, designed to deliver reliable locations while minimizing impact on the animal.

Weighing just 8.2 grams, the SPOT‑S‑433 is suitable for juvenile turtles with a straight carapace length (SCL) of 15 cm or greater, making it a powerful option for studies where tag size, hydrodynamics, and animal welfare are critical considerations.

Fully Automated, Solar‑Powered Operation

One of the standout features of the SPOT‑S‑433 is its fully automated operation. Powered by solar energy, the tag automatically adjusts its transmission effort based on available solar charge, eliminating the need for duty‑cycle programming or predicting sunlight conditions before deployment. This makes the SPOT‑S‑433 one of the easiest tags to deploy and manage in the field.

The tag is pressure‑tested to 400 meters, includes a wet/dry sensor to detect surface conditions, and transmits additional sensor data such as ambient temperature, battery voltage, and solar charge diagnostics.

Designed to Minimize Impact—Without Compromising Performance

The SPOT‑S‑433 belongs to the trusted SPOT (almost 1,300 published articles) tag family and was developed to be as non‑invasive as possible, helping minimize mass, drag, and energy requirements that can affect turtle behavior and life history. Its low‑profile form factor, smooth rounded finish, and hardy yet flexible antenna support long‑term deployments while reducing hydrodynamic impact.

Built for Research That Matters

The SPOT‑S‑433 is well suited for movement studies, migration analysis, habitat use research, and post‑release monitoring of rehabilitated turtles. Data products enable researchers to investigate habitat preferences, dispersal drivers, ecological barriers, and survival outcomes for young or rehabilitated turtles.

Seamless Data Access Through the Wildlife Computers Data Portal

All SPOT‑S‑433 tags are supported by the Wildlife Computers Data Portal, a cloud‑based platform designed specifically for managing, visualizing, and sharing satellite tracking data. The Portal streamlines data workflows by allowing researchers to sort, filter, search, and export location and sensor data, visualize tracks in Google Earth, and generate live KMZ links for collaborators or public engagement.

Backed by more than 30 years of experience and thousands of published research articles using Wildlife Computers tags, the SPOT‑S‑433 combines proven technology, thoughtful design, and responsive support in a cost‑effective tracking solution.