Satellite tracking and remote sensing technologies are transforming our ability to monitor wild animals at scale, enabling more targeted conservation and welfare interventions.
Satellite monitoring enables welfare-positive conservation by allowing researchers to detect injured, stranded, or poached animals faster, identify high-risk zones for human-wildlife conflict, and track the effectiveness of interventions. However, tagging animals for tracking can itself cause welfare harms if tags are heavy, poorly attached, or cause chronic irritation. Best practice guidelines now specify weight limits, attachment methods, and tag-life duration to minimise welfare impact. As satellite resolution improves and tag sizes shrink, the welfare cost of monitoring decreases while its utility grows. The technology is increasingly essential for managing wild animal populations effectively.