RADIO-TRACKING

Discover Radio-tracking – an advanced technology that helps conservationists listen to and protect wildlife from a distance.

Radio-Tracking Technology Platform

Fundamentally, this is a technique for tracking animals remotely by receiving radio signals from a small device attached to their bodies.

Transmitting System

Attached directly to the animal to be tracked, it emits radio signals at a specific frequency.

Receiving System

A handheld device with a directional antenna, helping researchers to locate and determine the direction of the signal.

VHF TRACKING (TRADITIONAL)

Uses high-frequency radio waves. This is the most common and reliable method for decades.

  Advantages: Low cost, long-lasting battery, accurate at close range, flexible.

  Disadvantages: Labor-intensive fieldwork, affected by terrain and weather.

GPS/SATELLITE TRACKING (MODERN)

The device on the animal receives signals from GPS satellites to record precise coordinates, then sends the data to a server.

  Advantages: Automated data, tracking over very long distances, less labor-intensive.

  Disadvantages: Very high cost, larger devices, dependent on network infrastructure.

Stories from the Field in Vietnam

This technology has helped us uncover the secrets of the lives of many rare animal species, providing invaluable data for conservation efforts.

 

Green Peafowl

 

   
    Cát Tiên National Park
 

 

    Research shows that the home range of male birds (up to 53 ha) is significantly larger than that of females. The data also provides detailed information on the species’ eating, drinking, and sleeping habits in tall trees.
 

 

Northern Golden-headed Box Turtle

 

   
    Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Thanh Hoa
 

 

    This research was conducted by CTNC itself. The results show that this species has a very small home range, prefers bamboo-mixed forest habitats with high humidity, and often burrows under a layer of decaying leaves.
 

 

Sunda Pangolin

 

   
    Pù Mát, Cát Tiên & U Minh Thuong National Parks
 

 

    Tracking 12 rescued individuals determined the average home range to be 1.58 km². They are most active at night (from 24:00 – 04:00) and require a minimum of >100 days of tracking for stable data.
 

How CTNC Applies Technology to Conservation

        At the Center, Radio-tracking is not just a research tool, but also a foundation for practical conservation actions. We apply this technology to:
   

  •            
                Identify important living areas of species to zone for protection.
           
  •            
                Conduct in-depth research on behaviors of movement, foraging, and breeding.
           
  •            
                Identify threats and develop effective conservation plans.
           
  •            
                Train and enhance field capacity for forest rangers and the community.
           

FACING CHALLENGES & LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

The application of this technology in Vietnam still faces many barriers, including rugged terrain causing signal interference, high equipment costs, a shortage of specialized personnel, and often short-term funding packages.

CTNC is moving towards combining traditional radio-tracking with new technologies such as GPS, drones, and camera traps. Specifically, we will integrate scientific research with responsible eco-tourism, such as the upcoming project with the Southern Viet Nam Box Turtle in Phu Yen.

JOIN HANDS WITH US

Your action today will help write a safer future for Vietnam’s wildlife.

Collaborate on a Project Find Out More

    Bach, T. H., et al. (2019). Using radio telemetry-tracking to study the ecological characteristics of Green peafowl…
    Gray, R. J., et al. (2022). Home ranges and activity patterns of Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) in Vietnam…
    Streicher, U. (2009). Diet and feeding behaviour of pygmy lorises (Nycticebus pygmaeus) in Vietnam…