Attach a satellite tracking device to birds

Scientists at the British Institute for the Study of Birds (The Institute) have attached an automatic satellite (GPS) device to cuckoo birds to monitor their migration to determine the source. The disappearance of some species.

GPS satellite weighs 5 grams, with soft and soft strands, which are convenient for birds to carry. GPS works 10 hours a day, not afraid of running out of energy by solar energy, can operate 2-3 years as long as the life of birds.

GPS captures migratory birds' locations, then automatically send them back to the center via the Argos satellite system. Argos is responsible for recording information about the environment, as well as other wildlife. In particular, the machine will automatically change the direction of rotation when birds parked.

Experts put five GPS satellites, like a backpack on five of the male chrysanthemums. The images that the five birds pass through help experts know the dangerous places that many species disappear.

"GPS is a state-of-the-art device that helps us understand the habitats that most migratory birds, as well as the dangers that attack their abundant lives ," said Dr. Chris Hewson. . At present, we have a project to produce and miniaturize this type of satellite, but the cost is quite high, 2000 pounds / unit .

In the UK, two thirds of the birds are lost for unknown reasons. GPS is the first bird tracking device in the UK to help limit the loss of nature.