Hi everyone!

I’m one of the Open Source Solutions group leaders, and each month, I’ll discuss a particular Open Science Hardware (OScH) or open source project relevant to conservation and ecology. This month, I am discussing the SnapperGPS and the benefits of OScH for wildlife tracking!

Open source hardware in conservation science

Last month, I shared the OpenFlexure Microscope project and gave a quick introduction to Open Science Hardware (OScH), and described how it benefits research by making scientific instruments accessible, low-cost, and customizable.

OScH allows scientists to create, modify, share, and maintain their tools without being restricted by proprietary technologies. This democratization of scientific technology means that scientists, activists, and conservationists can address environmental challenges and better understand the natural world much faster and equitably. The role of OScH in conservation and ecology research is burgeoning, from monitoring insect biodiversity to adapting microscopes for microplastic detection. 

In today’s post, I wanted to take a closer look at an OScH project within the conservation and ecology space. There was no better way to kick things off than with the SnapperGPS project! 

Meet the SnapperGPS

SnapperGPS is an open source GNSS receiver for non-real-time wildlife tracking. In addition to being open source, SnapperGPS is small in size, low cost, and low power. At less than $30 per unit, the SnapperGPS contrasts sharply with proprietary wildlife tracking devices that can cost up to thousands of dollars. 

The SnapperGPS 1.0.0 board with a 400mAh battery and an ECHO27 antenna.

Developed by Jonas Beuchert, Amanda Matthes, and Alex Rogers from the University of Oxford, the first documented deployment of the SnapperGPS was on nesting loggerhead sea turtles in Cape Verde.

Loggerhead sea turtle in Cape Verde carrying a SnapperGPS receiver in a custom enclosure

A track of a Manx shearwater recorded over two weeks by a modified SnapperGPS receiver.

With SnapperGPS, researchers are better equipped to monitor animal behavior and migration patterns without breaking the bank, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable research landscape. 

Benefits to wildlife tracking and beyond

The use of open-source hardware like SnapperGPS in wildlife tracking brings significant ecological and practical benefits. From a research perspective, these devices have proven that they can provide accurate and comprehensive movement data, which is essential for studying habitat use, migration routes, and species interactions. 

The data collected from these devices can directly inform conservation efforts by highlighting key areas for habitat protection or by tracking the effects of environmental changes on wildlife. Beyond wildlife tracking, the open-source approach fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, enabling scientists worldwide to improve upon existing designs and share insights openly. By embracing such technologies, we can further global conservation efforts. 

Learn more about the SnapperGPS project

You can learn more about the SnapperGPS project by visiting their website at https://snappergps.info/.