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Guess the Telemetry
Type!
How do scientists learn where wild animals
go? Two different tracking methods they use are "radio
telemetry" and "satellite telemetry." For
example, the National Park Service (NPS) is investigating
coastal black bear movements in the Kenai Fjords National
Park. The number of visitors camping in Kenai Fjords National
Park has been increasing in recent years. NPS researchers
are comparing bear activities in areas where lots of people
camp with those in areas where very few people camp. Black
bears are found in areas where lots of trees and bushes
grow, which makes it tough for researchers to follow the
bears. To help make the researchers job easier they attach
radio collars with Global Positioning System (GPS) locators
around the bears neck. These collars allow researchers to
monitor the bears through their natural habitat and see
if they're avoiding the campgrounds.
Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) researchers are
currently tagging seals that have been rehabilitated. Seals
live in the marine environment and spend small amounts of
time hauled out on ice flows, rocks or beaches. Since these
seals live in the ocean it makes it difficult for researchers
to follow them. The seals are "tagged" with satellite
tags that help researchers see if the animals do well after
rehabilitation.
What are the differences and similarities
between radio and satellite telemetry? Place the letter
R = radio telemetry, S = satellite telemetry, B = both,
in the space provided.
Signal can only be transmitted over a couple
of miles___
Records animal's location only___
Transmits data to equipment orbiting the earth___
Can be attached to the animal with epoxy___
May cost up to $5000.00___
Researcher must be out in the field / air
with a receiver to collect the data___
Will not transmit from under water___
Signal can be transmitted to a computer at
any location___
Emits a VHF signal in a series of "beeps"
$200.00 - $300.00 per tag___
Falls off of the animal when it molts___
Some record swim parameters (swim speed, dive
duration, and depth) in addition to the animal's location___
Run on battery power___
