Introduction:

For centuries, wildlife on Earth has been increasingly affected year after year. We can clearly observe the decline in wild animal populations, the shrinking of nature reserves and forests, and a noticeable rise in endangered species.

The 2024 Living Planet Report reveals that wildlife populations have declined by 73% between 1970 and 2020, with over 41,000 species now classified as endangered. For instance, only 75 Javan rhinos remain worldwide, while the Amur tiger population has dwindled to just 100 in the wild. Additionally, the African forest elephant population has plummeted by 86% over the past three decades.

In recent years, the world has begun to grasp the magnitude of the threat endangering our planet’s balance. As a result, global environmental organizations have been established to protect wildlife and combat destructive practices such as poaching and deforestation. These efforts have started to bear fruit. In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) removed the giant panda from the endangered species list and reclassified it as vulnerable, thanks to China's dedicated conservation efforts.

All nations must spare no effort in preserving wildlife, protecting animals from extinction, and safeguarding natural reserves and forests from ongoing violations. But how can this be achieved?

How Important Is Wildlife Tracking?

The first step in protecting wildlife is closely monitoring and tracking it. Understanding animal behavior, movement patterns, genetic lineage, migration routes, and long-term evolutionary trends provides invaluable data that helps us create the best conditions for their survival and prevent their decline.

By collecting data on wildlife, we gain deeper insights that allow us to protect these species more effectively and ensure optimal conditions for their growth and preservation. The data gathered from wildlife tracking contributes to:

• Monitoring animal movements and migrations.
• Tracking the evolution of species across generations.
• Observing climate change and attempting to mitigate its effects.
• Combating illegal poaching.
• Preventing habitat destruction and violations of nature reserves.
• Preserving biodiversity on the planet.
• Controlling invasive species.
• Combating wildlife trafficking.
• Reducing the spread of infectious diseases among species.
• Understanding what animals need to remain healthy and thrive in their habitats.
• Identifying daily movement patterns and roaming areas of animals.
• Assessing whether population numbers are sufficient for species reproduction.
• Managing animal populations and studying how development impacts them.
• Preventing habitat destruction and protecting ecosystems from human encroachment.
• Reducing environmental pollution that threatens both marine and terrestrial life.
• Predicting extinction threats and working to counteract them.
• Reintroducing animals to their natural habitats.

The History of Wildlife Tracking

The practice of tracking wildlife dates back centuries, as humans sought to observe and map animal behaviors and movement patterns. Early methods relied on direct observation and manually sketching migration routes.

Primitive tracking systems emerged with simple metal or plastic tags attached to birds and fish to monitor their annual migrations. These early techniques depended on recapturing the same animal or spotting it in different locations across continents.

Between the 1950s and 1970s, scientists introduced radio telemetry using VHF radio waves, where tracking devices attached to animals transmitted signals to ground-based antennas. This innovation allowed researchers to track wildlife over relatively long distances, though within a limited range dictated by the radio signal.

From the 1990s onward, GPS technology revolutionized wildlife tracking, enabling real-time monitoring over vast distances. Scientists could now receive precise location data via satellites, allowing them to study even the most remote and challenging terrains.

In the 21st century, tracking evolved beyond simple location monitoring. Advanced sensors were integrated to measure factors such as temperature, humidity, and terrain, providing deeper insights into how environmental changes impact wildlife. Researchers also began DNA tracking to analyze genetic traces left behind by animals in their habitats.

Additionally, dedicated wildlife satellite projects and collaborations with the International Space Station have enabled real-time global monitoring. Miniature cameras with night vision are now attached to animals’ necks, offering unprecedented insights into their daily lives. Micro-tracking devices have been developed for insects and small animals, while AI-powered analytics process vast amounts of collected data, making it easier to generate reports and predict future trends.

Currently, researchers are exploring the launch of specialized satellites dedicated solely to wildlife tracking, marking a new era in conservation efforts.

Challenges Faced by Wildlife Trackers and Researchers

Wildlife researchers and tracking teams encounter numerous challenges, starting with the complex task of capturing animals without causing harm and determining the safest way to attach tracking devices—whether to use sedation or not and whether to place the device around the neck, on the leg, or under the skin. Beyond these logistical concerns, there are also challenges related to the tracking technology itself and its availability.

First, researchers must carefully select the species to be monitored and define the objectives of the study to determine the most suitable tracking device. The size and weight of the device must be minimal to ensure it does not interfere with the animal’s natural behavior or mobility. If researchers aim to track an entire herd or a large group of animals, cost-effectiveness becomes a key factor, as they need affordable tracking tags to cover a significant number of individuals.

Additionally, the tracking device must offer high precision and real-time data transmission to provide accurate insights. One of the greatest challenges is ensuring a self-sustaining power source, such as solar-powered tags, to allow continuous data collection over months or even years—sometimes spanning the animal's entire lifetime—without the need for recharging or maintenance.

Tatawwar’s Solutions for Wildlife Conservation

Tatawwar Global offers cutting-edge wildlife tracking and monitoring solutions tailored to the needs of researchers, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts. The company has developed advanced tracking devices and monitoring methods designed to suit various species, conservation areas, and remote environments.

Tatawwar provides three specialized tracking devices to accommodate different animals and birds:

1. Neck Collar Tracker – Wrapped around the animal’s neck.
2. Leg Band Tracker – Attached to a bird’s leg.
3. Back-Mounted Tracker – Fixed onto the back of falcons.

Each device is designed to be lightweight and compact, ensuring zero interference with the animal’s natural movement and activities while delivering precise tracking data.

Tatawwar’s tracking system operates in three integrated stages:

1. GPS Tracking Device – Accurately pinpoints the animal’s location in real-time on a digital map.
2. LoRa Communication Module – Connects the device to the cloud, enabling instant data transmission and accelerating analysis through IoT technology.
3. Satellite Connectivity – Provides global coverage, ensuring seamless data transfer from even the most remote locations.

Additionally, Tatawwar’s wildlife tracking devices are solar-powered, guaranteeing extended operation without frequent recharging.

Tatawwar offers a simple, user-friendly interface for accessing real-time reports, live tracking maps, and analytics 24/7—no technical expertise is required. The system presents complex data in an easy-to-understand format, making wildlife monitoring accessible to all.

Clients can also enhance their conservation efforts with additional monitoring tools, including:

• Motion sensors
• Temperature and humidity sensors
• Night-vision surveillance cameras
• Dynamic heat maps
• AI-powered data analysis & predictive modeling
• Emergency alert systems

Contact Tatawwar’s technical team to find the best tracking devices and features for your mission. Our experts will help you select the ideal solution for your conservation goals. Call us at: 0555257791 Chat with us on WhatsApp: Click here.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Wildlife Tracking

Saudi Arabia places great importance on wildlife conservation, as demonstrated by initiatives like the 30×30 Project. This project aims to protect 30% of the country's land and marine ecosystems by 2030, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to global biodiversity preservation standards.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia actively develops and manages nature reserves using sustainable practices to protect wildlife while enhancing food security and eco-tourism. A key conservation effort is reintroducing the Cheetah into its natural habitat. With fewer than 120 individuals remaining in the wild, the Kingdom is leading scientific breeding and reintroduction programs to restore this iconic species to Saudi Arabia’s landscapes.