Biodiverse ecosystems are essential to the overall health of our planet. That’s why much of the world – EU Member States among them – has pledged to protect and restore global biodiversity. To do so, we need to understand the dynamics of the planets’ species and ecosystems – that’s where Galileo comes in.
Key figures
High accuracy when tracking wildlife movement with Galileo
The challenge
With over a million animal and plant species threatened with extinction, wildlife monitoring is increasingly important to understand the behaviour, location, health status, habitat, and movement patterns of different species. This information is crucial for developing and implementing effective conservation and restoration measures.
The solution
Ecologists have developed specialised collars, tags, and implants equipped with Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers. These specialised devices – able to access Galileo’s highly precise positioning services – enable researchers to study wildlife behaviour in detail, helping them gain a deeper understanding of their needs. Chips can be implanted on whales, eagles, mountain lions, and other species to track their movements worldwide, informing conservation efforts.
Results and impacts
The GNSS receivers have revolutionised animal tracking. Thanks to satellite tags, scientists were able to confirm where the critically endangered European eel migrated for breeding. Tracking was also useful when reintroducing bears to the Pyrenees mountains. These are just two of many examples of what GNSS services like Galileo have been able to contribute to preserving global biodiversity!