dSimba GPS logger

Ranger patrols monitoring wildlife in protected areas can be out in the field for days or weeks at a time.  GPS is an invaluable tool for such patrols to record their routes and take accurate location readings when they observe priority animal species, or evidence of illegal activities such as logging or poaching.   However, the average off-the-shelf GPS device generally has a battery life of just a few days and there is frequently limited opportunity to re-charge batteries in remote field camps.   Often it is simply GPS readings (logged against time) that are important, and the additional functionality offered by high-street GPS devices is unused. 

What is really needed is a stripped down device that simply takes a GPS reading at a given frequency with only and on-off switch, and saves battery power by eliminating the energy-demanding features such as the screen. 

t4cd is working with a South African expert, Mr. Andre Marais, who is developing just such a device.  The dSimba GPS-logger will be portable device that can be deployed with ranger patrols up to 2 weeks at a time without running out of power.  On return from the field the device will simply be plugged into a computer and the GPS and time readings downloaded onto GIS software for visualisation.  The beauty of the device is that it is so easy to use that limited training will be required before deployment.  Also, the data collected will allow precise mapping of patrol routes, and effort based monitoring of priority species (i.e. number of individual sightings against time spent observing), which will provide invaluable data to inform species management plans.

Development of the dSimba logger is currently in the first phase and field trials are planned in the Niassa Reserve, northern Mozambique and various sites in Zimbabwe.