GPS Technology Used In Tree Conservation Effort In India

We often report stories where GPS tracking is used in wildlife conservation efforts. Typically, when we think of wildlife, we think of bears, birds, elephants and other living creatures that move around. One of the major benefits of using GPS tracking on wildlife, is that researchers can monitor their movements remotely. You might be interested to know that GPS devices are used on stationary living things as well. The Bombay Natural History Society’s (BNHS) Conservation Education Center (CEC) in Goregaon is tracking native trees with GPS devices.

Of course, no one is expecting the trees to move. The GPS is more of a cool fund-raising feature to help keep track of specific tree locations. The BNHS CEC is hoping to spread awareness and education about native trees by putting the trees up for adoption. Adopting a tree costs R10,000 ($160). “The 33-acre forest at BNHS CEC in Goregaon has been safeguarding more than 125 indigenous tree species for the past 30 years. It is a natural forest with old trees. Trees such as Asan, Teak, Kusum, Red Silk Cotton, Bonfire, Elephant Apple, Kalamb, Grewia and Tetu, among others, are native species to the area,” explained Atul Sathe, BNHS India’s manager of communications.

Those interested can contact the BNHS CEC and choose the species of tree. The BNHS will then provide you with the GPS location of the tree, photos, an adoption certificate, and place a name tag on the tree with the owner’s name. After the tree is adopted, BNHS will remain in contact with the owner for five years via email. They will send updates about the tree, including observation of bees, butterflies and birds on your tree. You will also be sent pictures of fruits and flowers blooming on your tree. BNHS will also keep track of your adoption anniversary and invite you to celebrate. “We are doing it so that people feel more involved in the project,” said Sathe.

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GPS Technology Used In Tree Conservation Effort In India