Practical : Demonstration and applicability of basic equipment needed for wildlife studies (GPS)

 B. GPS (Global Positioning System)

 

Aim 

To study the structure, working principle, and applications of GPS (Global Positioning System) used in wildlife research for determining geographic location and mapping wildlife habitats.

 Principle

 The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system used to determine the exact geographic location of a person, animal, or object on the Earth’s surface. It provides information about latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, and time.

GPS technology is widely used in wildlife research, ecological studies, forest management, and conservation planning. With the help of GPS devices, researchers can accurately record the location of animals, nests, feeding sites, water sources, and study plots.

 In wildlife conservation, GPS plays an important role in mapping habitats, monitoring animal movement patterns, and studying migration routes.

 Working Principle

 1) The Global Positioning System works using a network of satellites orbiting the Earth.

 2) The GPS system consists of a constellation of satellites (usually 24 or more) orbiting the Earth. 

3) These satellites continuously transmit signals containing their location and time information.

 4) A GPS receiver on the ground receives signals from multiple satellites.

 By calculating the time taken for the signals to reach the receiver, the device determines the distance from each satellite.

 Using signals from at least four satellites, the receiver calculates the exact geographic position of the user through a process called triangulation.

 The calculated position is displayed on the GPS screen as latitude, longitude, and altitude.

 This method allows researchers to determine their position on Earth with an accuracy of a few meters.

 Parts of a GPS Device

 A handheld GPS unit generally includes the following components:

 A. GPS antenna – receives signals from satellites.

B. Receiver unit – processes satellite signals

C. Display screen – shows location coordinates and maps

D. Control buttons – used for navigation and recording data

E. Memory storage – stores location data and routes

F. Battery compartment – provides power to the device

 Materials / Equipment Required

 Handheld GPS device, Field notebook, Map of the study area (optional), Target location (tree, animal sighting location, water source, etc.)

 Procedure for Using a GPS in Wildlife Surveys

 1. Switch on the GPS device and allow it to connect with satellites.

2. Wait until the device shows satellite signal strength and accurate position.

3. Stand at the location where the observation is being made.

4. Record the latitude and longitude displayed on the screen.

5. Save the location as a waypoint if necessary.

6. Note the recorded coordinates in the field notebook.

7. Repeat the process for other important locations in the study area.

 Observation / Data Recording Format

 

Sl. No	Location Name	Latitude	Longitude	Remarks
1	Water source
2	Animal sighting area
3	Nesting site

  Result / Interpretation

 The geographic location of selected sites was successfully determined using a GPS device, demonstrating its usefulness in wildlife research and field surveys.

 Uses in Wildlife Studies

 1. Mapping Wildlife Locations

 GPS devices allow researchers to record the exact geographic coordinates of wildlife sightings, nests, burrows, feeding areas, and water sources. These coordinates can later be used to create maps of wildlife habitats and species distribution.

 2. Tracking Animal Movements

 GPS technology is often used with GPS collars or tracking devices attached to animals. These devices record the animal’s location at regular intervals, allowing scientists to study:

 Migration routes,  Daily movement patterns, Habitat use, Territory size

This information helps conservationists understand how animals interact with their environment.

Advantages

 1. Provides accurate geographic location

2. Useful for mapping and navigation

3. Helps in long-term wildlife monitoring

4. Allows easy integration with GIS (Geographic Information System)

 Limitations

 1. Signal may be weak in dense forests or deep valleys

2. Requires battery power

3. Accuracy may decrease during poor weather conditions

 Precautions

 1. Ensure the GPS device has sufficient battery power.

2. Wait until the device establishes a strong satellite connection.

3. Avoid recording data under heavy canopy where signal strength may be weak.

 Protect the device from water and physical damage.

 Applications in Wildlife Conservation

 GPS technology is widely used in: Wildlife habitat mapping, Monitoring animal migration, Tracking endangered species, Forest resource management

 Conservation planning and research

 It helps scientists collect accurate spatial data, which is essential for effective wildlife conservation and management.

 Viva Voce Questions

 1. What is GPS?

2. How does GPS determine geographic location?

3. What are latitude and longitude?

4. Why is GPS important in wildlife research?

5. What are the limitations of GPS devices in forest areas?

References

1. Kaplan, E. D., & Hegarty, C. J. (2006). Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications (2nd Edition). Artech House, Boston.

2. Sutherland, W. J. (2006). Ecological Census Techniques: A Handbook (2nd Edition). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

3. Bookhout, T. A. (1996). Research and Management Techniques for Wildlife and Habitats (5th Edition). The Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Maryland.

4. Cagnacci, F., Boitani, L., Powell, R. A., & Boyce, M. S. (2010). Animal ecology meets GPS-based radiotelemetry: A perfect storm of opportunities and challenges. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, 365(1550), 2157–2162.

5. Primack, R. B. (2014). Essentials of Conservation Biology (6th Edition). Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts.

6. Southwood, T. R. E., & Henderson, P. A. (2009). Ecological Methods (3rd Edition). Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford.