Revolutionary “internet of animals” global wildlife tracking system resumes operations after three-year pause

After a three-year hiatus, an ambitious global wildlife monitoring system known as the “Internet of Animals” is back online and poised to transform how scientists study animal behavior worldwide. Project ICARUS (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space) reached a major milestone in late November with the successful launch of a satellite equipped with specialized receivers to track wildlife across the globe.

Led by Martin Wikelski, director of Germany’s Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, ICARUS represents a groundbreaking collaboration between scientists worldwide. The system relies on tiny, lightweight sensors attached to animals ranging from large mammals and sea turtles to small bats and migratory birds. These advanced trackers collect comprehensive data including GPS location, acceleration, temperature, humidity, pressure, and altitude readings.

What sets ICARUS apart from traditional animal tracking projects is its unified global approach. Rather than isolated studies of individual species, the system enables scientists to observe how different animals interact with each other and their environments on an unprecedented scale. This comprehensive data collection provides researchers with incredibly detailed insights for wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection efforts.

The project’s resumption comes at a critical time when understanding animal migration patterns, habitat changes, and behavioral adaptations is essential for addressing climate change impacts on wildlife. By creating this interconnected network of animal data from around the world, ICARUS promises to unlock new understanding of ecosystem dynamics and support more effective conservation strategies for protecting endangered species and their habitats.