title: Novel opportunities for wildlife conservation and research with real-time monitoring.
abstract: The expansion of global communication networks and advances in animal-tracking technology make possible the real-time telemetry of positional data as recorded by animal-attached tracking units. When combined with continuous, algorithm-based analytical capability, unique opportunities emerge for applied ecological monitoring and wildlife conservation. We present here four broad approaches for algorithmic wildlife monitoring in real time--proximity, geofencing, movement rate, and immobility--designed to examine aspects of wildlife spatial activity and behavior not possible with conventional tracking systems. Application of these four routines to the real-time monitoring of 94 African elephants was made. We also provide details of our cloud-based monitoring system including infrastructure, data collection, and customized software for continuous tracking data analysis. We also highlight future directions of real-time collection and analysis of biological, physiological, and environmental information from wildlife to encourage further development of needed algorithms and monitoring technology. Real-time processing of remotely collected, animal biospatial data promises to open novel directions in ecological research, applied species monitoring, conservation programs, and public outreach and education.
authors.forename: Jake
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wall
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wittemyer
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Klinkenberg
authors.forename: Iain
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Douglas-Hamilton
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D017753:Ecosystem; D056727:Endangered Species; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D048088:Informatics; D008954:Models, Biological; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012106:Research / Q000295:instrumentation; D012107:Research Design