Megabats tracked with GPS to Learn How They Transfer Diseases to Humans

31 Oct 2018

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute recognizes the invaluable role Myanmar Flying Foxes play in the overall ecosystem’s health, but they also understand how the creature is often the culprit in spreading fatal diseases to humans. In an effort to learn more about these animals, the institute sent Dr. Marc Valitutto and Dr. Jennifer Kishbaugh out to Myanmar with one goal. The duo was tasked with capturing several bats, extracting samples from the animals, testing for viruses and then tagging the bats with GPS tracking devices.

Experts hope to monitor the movements of these Myanmar Flying Foxes to gain deeper insights into how the animal interacts with its environment. Data from the GPS tracking devices will be used to help protect both the animals and humans who live around them. The group hopes to work closely with local communities to discover safe areas for bats to roost that can also help prevent the spread of diseases.

About Flying Foxes

Flying Foxes are beneficial to the ecosystem because they assist in pollinating fruits and spreading seeds necessary for agricultural growth. These adorable ‘fox bats’ are the biggest of the 65 bat species found in the area, and they commonly feed on fruit, plants and insects.

They are often found in large numbers and remain largely nocturnal. These incredible creatures are the only mammals that can sustain long-powered flights. Their iconic upside-down sleeping habits are intentional. The bats need to drop from a height in order to take flight because they can’t take off from a standing position.

Flying foxes have long life spans and produce only about one offspring per year. Some farmers consider these pack animals pests, so they are often hunted or killed. Additionally, bats are known to spread diseases that can cause rabies or other infections.

Despite this, millions of individuals consume the animal as bushmeat. In India, the fat of flying foxes is used medicinally to treat rheumatism. These factors make the species more vulnerable to depopulation and extinction. At least six other types of flying fox species have recently gone extinct.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.