Developing a space-based solution to increase accessibility, quality, and utility of animal tracking data for research and management: the NASA Internet of Animals project

Ryan Pavlick,  Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology,  rpavlick@jpl.nasa.gov (Presenter)
Antonio Ferraz,  Jet Propulsion Laboratory,  antonio.a.ferraz@jpl.nasa.gov
Scott W. Yanco,  Yale University,  scott.yanco@yale.edu
Ian G. Brosnan,  NASA Ames Research Center,  ian.g.brosnan@nasa.gov
Ben S. Carlson,  Yale University,  ben.carlson@yale.edu
Susan De La Cruz,  United States Geologic Survey,  sdelacruz@usgs.gov
Diego Ellis Soto,  Yale University,  diego.ellissoto@yale.edu
Morgan E. Gilmour,  NASA Ames Research Center,  morgan.e.gilmour@nasa.gov
Walter Jetz,  Yale University,  walter.jetz@yale.edu
Alexander K. Killion,  Yale University,  alexander.killion@yale.edu
Tamara Rudic,  Yale University,  tamara.rudic@yale.edu
Claire S. Teitelbaum,  NASA Ames Research Center,  claire.teitelbaum@nasa.gov

Animal tracking technology has advanced dramatically over the last several decades, but researchers and wildlife managers still encounter technological roadblocks in the study of animal movement and acquisition of animal movement data. For example, we still lack technology that provides automated high-resolution data for small animals that travel long distances, which limits our ability to answer both theoretical and applied questions about these species. In response to these needs, NASA has initiated a five-year study of potential space-based solutions that could provide global low-latency tracking of small migratory animals. This study, named Internet of Animals (IOA), aims to 1) systematically assess the needs of animal movement researchers and ecological managers, 2) design a next-generation space-based animal tracking system, i.e. an ‘Internet of Animals’ or IoA, to meet those needs, and 3) developing science and technology needed to link animal tracking data to the many other dimensions of biodiversity that can now be mapped from space using remote sensing. Here, we present results from the first IOA workshop, which highlighted the diverse needs of researchers and managers working across systems and realms. We also provide opportunities for the community to engage in the future.

Poster Location ID: 2-26

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: Poster Session 2

Session Date: Wed (May 10) 5:15-7:15 PM

CCE Program: BDEC