The phase of data collection of the Snipe project 2020 it can be considered over since the satellite transmitters have probably run out of their batteries and will no longer provide locations. Now the data processing phase will begin by the researchers of the University of Pisa. The result was more than optimal for us: two out of three snipes worked effectively for quite a long time, virtually taking us with them up to the Russia deeper.
The methodology used was that of satellite tracking which integrates the GPS technology for accurate location of animals and ARGOS technology for satellite data transmission. The transmitters used are very small and their weight does not exceed the limit of 3% of the animal's weight, as suggested by the scientific literature on the subject. Due to this extreme miniaturization, these instruments cannot be recharged via solar panels as is the case with i larger devices used on ducks or woodcock and therefore their duration is limited.
To give a more concrete indication, the instrument used on the snipes has provided locations for approx. 5 months, collecting data approximately every 60 hours, while the tools used for larger animals they can last several years locating the animals at intervals of even a few minutes. These tools possess very advanced technology and are constantly evolving which is why they have a very high cost. For this we would like to thank in particular those who contributed to finance this project also this year, namely:
- All hunters who have donated money through the ACMA card
- Club del Beccaccino Milan 1929
- The ATC Rovigo 3 Delta del Po
- National Federcaccia