GPS Tags

GPS tracking uses the global positioning system of satellites to determine the precise location of the animal. Locations are logged and can then be downloaded in various ways. Our sister company, Lotek, have specialised in GPS Collars for over 15 years. Biotrack is now supplying a range of these collars in Europe and now a collaboratively designed really small GPS.

Smallest GPS tag

Biotrack and Lotek have been designing a GPS tag small enough to use on many birds and smaller animals. The specifications will depend on any customisations for attachment etc. The GPS Bug is Store-On-Board, so must be retrieved from the animal to download the data.

• Weight: From 11 g Standard 13 g
• Locations: Every second to once per day
• Connection: Easy connector under screwcap
• Scheduling: User-friendly host program
• Applications: Smaller species that can be re-captured for habitat use, home range analysis etc.
• Waterproof: 50 m (tested by 15 dive cycles to 50 m, followed by 24hrs @ 50 m) and 200 m Deep Water version (15 dives to 200 m followed by 24 hours at 200 m)


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80 g GPS collar

This fantastic light collar allows 2-way VHF comms

• Weight: only 80 g including VHF download
• Download range : 500 metres
• Field replaceable battery
• Applications: Smaller species that are not easily re-trapped


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60 g GPS Remote

These are tentative specifications because none have been made yet. If you are interested please contact us.

• Weight: 60 g & 110g options
• Dimensions (L x B x H): From 40x41x26 mm
• Download distance: Up to 500 m with Yagi antenna
• Duration: 1 week at 5 minute intervals
                  1 month at 1 hour intervals
                  3 months at 3 hour intervals
• Scheduling: User-friendly host program
• Applications: Large birds or medium sized mammals that are difficult to recapture, but approachable.

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Other GPS Collars
[Store-on-Board] [GSM download] [UHF download] [Argos Download]

All Lotek GPS collars

• Store the data on board
• Have replaceable battery packs
• All have VHF beacons (useful for checking the functioning of the tag)
• All record temperature, activity and mortality
• Can have a drop-off attached (medium or large size only)
• Have programmable VHF and GPS schedules
• Can be used with differential correction for greater location accuracy
• Unlimited customer support
• Full one year warranty

Store-on-Board

The smallest collars just store the information on board. Therefore, the collar must be retrieved and connected to a computer for download.

• Weight: From 190g
• Locations: As often as every 15 minutes (Less frequent locations = longer lifespan)
• Lifespan: Up to 1 year for our 190g collars, more for heavier collars (depending on settings and operating conditions)
• Applications: Smaller species that can be re-captured. Can be used effectively for habitat use, home range analysis and movement corridor studies.

Remote Download

Locations stored by the GPS system are logged on to the device as usual, but can be downloaded from the device to you at set intervals. The data is always stored on the collar, even if you have downloaded it, decreasing the chance of losing the data.

[GSM download] [UHF download] [Argos Download]

GSM download

This is one of the most popular ways of obtaining satellite tracking data. Locations are converted into SMS messages and sent to your chosen mobile number or base station connected to your computer.

Constant GSM coverage is not necessary but the study animal needs to pass into a GSM coverage area for sufficient time to send the locations that have been recorded since the last download.

Usage fees do apply to this download method from your chosen GSM network provider.

• Weight: From 230g
• Locations: As often as every 15 minutes (Less frequent locations = longer lifespan)
• Lifespan: Up to 1 year for our smaller collars, more for heavier collars (depending on settings and operating conditions)
• Applications: Wide ranging species that travel through GSM coverage areas and for studies where continuous updates on location are needed.

UHF download

To collect the data by UHF download, you use a command unit out in the field that communicates with each collar within 5 – 10km. This equipment allows you to select the data that you want to download and stores it to relay to your PC.

If you can estimate the location of your study animals within 5 – 10 km and get out into the field, this can be the most cost effective method of obtaining the data.

• Weight: From 300g
• Locations: As often as every 30 minutes (Less frequent locations = longer lifespan)
• Lifespan: Up to 6 months for our smallest collars, 2-3 years for heavier collars (depending on schedule and operating conditions).
• Applications: Relatively small ranging species, can be used effectively for habitat use studies. Allows the downloading of the data when you need it.

Argos download

This method of remote download allows you to receive the data to your computer via e-mail. An Argos transmitter on the collar transmits the data via Argos satellites to a processing station where the data is e-mailed to you.

Please note that usage fees for the Argos system apply on a ‘per animal, per day’ and monthly basis.

• Weight: From 300g
• Locations: As often as every 3 hours (The less frequent the fixes, the longer the lifespan)
• Lifespan:Up to 1 year for our smallest collars, 2-3 years for heavier collars (depending on schedule and operating conditions).
• Applications: Migratory species, which travel outside of GSM coverage, can be tracked and the data relayed from all over the world.