MIT Technology Review Narrated How tracking animal movement may save the planet
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Mar 26, 2025 Discover the groundbreaking Icarus project, which uses GPS sensors to track animal movements in real time. This innovative initiative unveils vital insights into ecosystems and their connection to climate change. Explore the evolution of tracking technologies from the 1800s to today, highlighting their global impact on conservation efforts. Learn how monitoring the movements of 100,000 creatures could help save our planet.
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Shark's Unusual Behavior Leads to Discovery
- Tiger sharks in the Bahamas were observed diverting from the shoreline towards underwater hills.
- This led to the discovery of vast seagrass meadows, expanding known global seagrass coverage by 40%.
Animals as Bio-Indicators
- Animals act as organic sensors, revealing hidden facets of our world.
- Researchers aim to create a 'big data system' of animal movement to understand and address planetary challenges.
The Icarus Project's Challenges
- The Icarus project aimed to track animals using sensors and the ISS.
- The project faced setbacks including technical issues and the war in Ukraine.