Tracking the Lone Wolf

Wolves are known for traveling in packs, but when one wolf bucked the trend in the western U.S., he generated interest around the world—an interest that all started with GPS tracking. Dubbed OR-7, the wolf left his pack in 2011 and struck out on his own. His movements were reported to scientists via the GPS tracking collar he was wearing. They tracked him from Oregon to California and almost into Nevada before he turned around and began heading back toward Oregon again. His GPS collar has lasted for three years, which is longer than anyone expected. When it stops working, it will not be replaced.

Why Track a Wolf?

Biologists use GPS tracking collars to keep track of wolf pack movements with the goal of understanding pack habits, breeding, and population. They usually track breeding pairs of wolves or pack members in order to achieve these goals, which is why there are no plans to replace OR-7’s collar when it wears out. While public interest in the lone wolf has been high, there is little benefit from a scientific or conservationist standpoint to replacing the collar, especially since collaring a wolf can be quite dangerous.

How GPS Tracking Benefits Animal Studies

Wolves are far from being the only animals that have been studied using GPS tracking. Tracking devices have opened windows into the mysteries of the animal world for hundreds of different species. Because many animals live in remote areas, participate in lengthy migrations, or display hostility toward humans, it has been nearly impossible to learn what they do when we’re not around. But GPS tracking has begun to change that. Biologists have used collars and leg bands to follow the movements of many species, including:

Whales	Tracking devices are attached to the whale’s back with suction cups. They record diving depth, activity patterns, and feeding habits.
Elephants	Conservation groups use tags to determine when elephants go near known poaching areas. They can then use drones or other means to herd the elephants away from dangerous areas. The tags also allow them to study the movements and habits of the animals.
Birds	Using GPS tracking devices, scientists have been able to gather a wealth of data about bird migratory patterns. This information would have been nearly impossible to gather without the devices.
Rhinoceroses	Only about 1,000 rhinoceroses still live in the wild in Kenya. Poachers can be blamed for the deaths of many of these animals. To combat the problem, the government plans to place GPS tracking chips in the horn of each rhino. If poachers kill the rhino and take its horn, officials can easily track them down.

The animals listed in the table above are just a few of the species that have been studied using GPS tracking. Others include lions, dolphins, geese, pigs, Tasmanian devils, sea turtles, and many more. Using the devices, scientists have been able to receive glimpses of the animal world that would otherwise have remained a mystery. They can then use this information to aid conservation efforts and provide protection for animal groups.

How Are the Devices Attached?

The method of attachment depends on the nature and behavior of the animal being studied. Scientists use several different attachment methods, all of which are designed to provide the least level of disruption to an animal’s natural habits and comfort level:

• Collars—Collars, like the one worn by OR-7, work well for animals whose heads are larger in diameter than their necks. Wolves, lions, bears, primates, and other similar animals have all been monitored using collar-type GPS tracking devices. Collars (or bands) may also be placed on a leg or wrist if needed.


• Harnesses—Harnesses are used when the body type of the animal makes it difficult to keep a collar in place. Pigs, for example, have heads that taper in diameter from the neck, and would be good candidates for a harness-type device. Harnesses may also be used if the animal is able to remove a collar or band.


• Gluing or taping in place—GPS tracking studies of birds and some marine animals are generally conducted by gluing or taping the device onto the animal. The devices must be very small and lightweight so that they will not interfere with flying or swimming. When the bird molts, the device will fall off.


• Suction cups—For other marine animals, suction cups are the best option for attachment. Whales are studied in this manner. After a day or two, the suction releases and the device falls off.

What Will Happen to OR-7?

Scientists expect OR-7, the lone wolf, to disappear from their GPS tracking readouts very soon. His GPS tracking device has already lasted longer than expected. Since the device will not be replaced, OR-7 will wander into the woods, away from prying human eyes, to live his life in the secrecy enjoyed by wolves for millennia. While GPS tracking can help us gather vital information to assist in animal protection and conservation, there are still some secrets best left to Mother Nature.

Tracking the Lone Wolf