Wiretapping

Australian scientists are using mobile phones to eavesdrop on koalas (the country's endemic animals) to understand the meaning of their cries. This way is expected to help preserve tree-only animals that are threatened by an increasingly narrow living environment.

Photo: tburg.k12.ny.us

The koalas on St Bees island off the northeastern coast of Australia are equipped with satellite tracking devices to monitor their activity. Researchers placed on cell phones were programmed every 30 minutes to open and record the sound for 2 minutes. The phone is charged by solar power and car battery, will record the cry of the koalas, then transmit the sound to the computer at the University of Queensland.

Scientists want to study whether the male pocket howling is intended to mark the territory or attract mates in the breeding season. The results of the study can help manage koalas by informing wildlife protection agencies when it is best time to bring baby cubs into their community, and when is the best time to change their habitat.