GPS Tracking Technology Used to Study the Migration of the Galapagos Tortoise
7 Feb 2013Movement and migration of Galapagos tortoises are being studied with GPS trackers in hopes of protecting this vulnerable species.
GPS technology has been used for monitoring the behavior and movement of a variety of animals including bats, elephants, and giant manta rays. It is now benefiting scientists who want to study the migration of the Galapagos tortoise. Along with monitoring migration patterns, the technology provides 3D measurements on an interactive map.
About the Galapagos Tortoise
The Galapagos tortoise is the largest tortoise species weighing over 880 pounds. It’s the 10th heaviest living reptile in the world. The average length for Galapagos tortoises is about 5.9 feet. They also have a lifespan of more than 100 years in the wild and up to 170 years in captivity, making them one of the longest living vertebrates.
Like many tortoises, the Galapagos tortoise moves leisurely and often very slowly, but they can also cover wide distances. Hence, the popular adage “slow and steady wins the race.”
Galapagos tortoises are currently classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which means they’re likely to become endangered in the future — unless the circumstances that are threatening the species’ reproduction and survival improve.
GPS Tracking of the Galapagos Tortoise
The team of scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology set out to study the tortoise’s migratory pattern using GPS trackers that included 3D acceleration monitors. 17 adult tortoises were tracked using these GPS loggers to monitor their position, behavior, and migratory patterns over two years.
Additional information produced for the study including the sex, size, and location of the tortoises they met during their treks to the volcanic hillside on the Galapagos Islands. Availability of food sources and current temperature was also recorded to help protect the species from extinction.
As a result of the data received from the GPS trackers, scientists from the institute have been able to determine the Galapagos turtle is able to travel up to 6.2 miles. They show that their yearly migration begins during the dry season, taking them into the highlands of the Galapagos Islands. The data collected from the GPS trackers also found that the full grown tortoises migrate, while the young tortoises remain in the lowlands year-round. The female tortoises also waited at the lowlands until they lay their eggs.
Scientists aren’t sure why the younger tortoises don’t migrate to search for food but they have their thoughts. “Either the energy expenditure of this strenuous hike is too high, or there is still enough food available for the smaller animals.” said Stephen Blake, one of the researchers. “Perhaps the younger animals can’t tolerate the wet cold climate of the higher regions.”
Ironically, even though the Galapogos tortoise can survive up to a year sans food, the scientists found that the species will travel far distances for food.
Update on Great White Shark Tracking
Meanwhile, there’s an interesting update to the Great White Shark GPS tracking story we posted here. The female shark named Mary Lee tagged last September, and who made her way all the down south as Florida, is now swimming up in the cold February northeast waters of Cape Cod.
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