New GPS Technology Helps Wildlife Group Better Track Endangered Species

A technology partnership between H.A.B.I.T. Research Ltd., a Victoria-based company that designs, develops and manufactures technology for wildlife research, and Swiss positioning technology provider u-blox, is making it possible for scientists to study the behavior of endangered species once thought too tiny to be tracked by GPS, raising the hope that many smaller species may be saved from extinction.

H.A.B.I.T. Research Limited is launching a third generation of their animal tracking product, made possible by a new GPS module from u-blox. The LEA-4H GPS module manages to cram ultra-high sensitivity technology and low power needs into one of the smallest GPS devices on the market today.

"This new technology, a partnership between Swiss precision engineering and Canadian innovation, should allow researchers to develop a better understanding of a range of small and endangered animals and the role they play in the wider eco-system," Jeffrey Goodyear, president and founder of H.A.B.I.T. Research Limited, said in a statement. "That could provide critical insights into the future conservation of natural habitats and species of all sizes."

The new H.A.B.I.T. GPS technology is also available in combinations with real-time VHF data telemetry and satellite PTT technology. Power supply options include battery or solar cell with packaging in collar and backpack configurations. This product is designed to weigh a little as 35 grams and can be used on mammals, both terrestrial and marine, reptiles, birds and amphibians.