Short-range Bluetooth monitoring method for tracking, monitoring and follow-up of low-mobility wild species, Choloepus hoffmanni sp

TL;DR

A biodegradable backpack with Bluetooth tracking successfully monitors low-mobility two-toed sloths, aiding wildlife research and conservation.

Contribution

A low-cost, biodegradable Bluetooth tracking method for monitoring low-mobility wild animals like two-toed sloths.

Findings

SBMM detected two-toed sloths in 100% of trials, outperforming direct observation.

The backpack remained attached for 110 days and detached autonomously in all cases.

84.3% of in situ SBMM events resulted in successful animal observation.

Abstract

Wildlife monitoring provides essential information for research, management, and release of rehabilitated animals. A handmade backpack with a tracker connected to a smartphone through Bluetooth signal was used to track rescued and rehabilitated two-toed sloths, Choloepus hoffmanni. The design of the equipment consisted of a malleable structure with biodegradable sections to favor independent detachment and a tied Tile tracking device in the dorsal surface, which, combined with transects, constitute a short-range Bluetooth monitoring method (SBMM). An experiment was conducted to compare the detection success of two-toed sloth detections through direct observation and SBMM in a forest patch. Direct observation technique was unsuccessful at detecting the two-toed sloth (0/4); in contrast, all the trials with the SBMM registered the presence of the two-toed sloth (10/10), 70% managed to pinpoint the location between three trees, 50% located the tree where the animal was, and 40% were able to visually detect it. Additionally, four two-toed sloths (three rehabilitated, one translocated) were monitored in situ in forests, and the backpack persisted a total of 110 days. In 84.3% of the 70 SBMM in situ implementation events examined, observation of the animal was achieved. In all cases, the backpack was released without human intervention. This method facilitates low-cost detection of low-mobility animals, especially after rehabilitation.

Summary: A practical biodegradable backpack tracking system enables low-cost monitoring of rehabilitated two-toed sloths, offering an autonomous tool for wildlife research and conservation.

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