About
Founded in 1984, Wildlife Computers has grown into the world's foremost provider of advanced wildlife telemetry solutions. The company designs, manufactures, and supports a comprehensive range of animal-borne tracking tags — with over 250 shapes and technology combinations — tailored to the needs of marine and avian research. Their product lineup spans Pop-Up Archival Tags (PAT), SPOT satellite transmitters, SPLASH tags for aquatic animals, and TDR (Time-Depth Recorder) devices, among many others. Tags leverage cutting-edge technologies including the Argos Satellite System, Light-Based Geolocation, and Fastloc® GPS for precise, real-time or archival tracking. The Wildlife Computers Data Portal provides a centralized, cloud-based hub where researchers can configure tag settings, retrieve telemetry data automatically, and access behavioral, environmental, and location datasets. The Tag Agent desktop tool further streamlines tag administration. With active projects in 72 countries, partnerships with 544 organizations, and data cited in over 4,640 scientific publications, Wildlife Computers plays a pivotal role in global biodiversity monitoring and evidence-based conservation policy. Their solutions are designed for wildlife biologists, marine scientists, government agencies, and conservation organizations seeking reliable, long-term animal tracking data.
Key Features
- Extensive Tag Product Range: Over 250 tag shapes and technology combinations — including PAT, SPOT, SPLASH, and TDR tags — tailored for avian, marine, and aquatic species.
- Multi-Technology Tracking: Integrates Argos Satellite System, Fastloc® GPS, and Light-Based Geolocation for versatile, accurate positioning across environments.
- Wildlife Computers Data Portal: A cloud-based portal for configuring tags, storing telemetry data securely, and enabling automatic data retrieval by government-mandated systems.
- Species-Specific Solutions: Purpose-built tag designs and attachment aids for pinnipeds, cetaceans, sharks, turtles, seabirds, fish, and penguins.
- Global Scientific Impact: Tag data cited in over 4,640 publications supporting policy changes, outreach, and education initiatives across 72 countries.
Use Cases
- Marine biologists tracking whale migration routes using SPLASH satellite tags and Fastloc® GPS to study cetacean movement patterns.
- Seabird researchers monitoring foraging behavior and long-distance migrations with solar-powered Argos transmitters like the Denali-S7.
- Sea turtle conservation programs deploying PAT or SPOT tags to track post-release movements and identify critical habitat areas.
- Fisheries scientists using TDR and archival tags on sharks and fish to collect depth, temperature, and behavioral time-series data.
- Government agencies and conservation NGOs collecting standardized telemetry data to inform wildlife policy and protected area management.
Pros
- Industry-Leading Experience: Over 42 years of specialization in wildlife telemetry ensures battle-tested hardware quality and deep domain expertise.
- Comprehensive Data Ecosystem: The integrated portal and Tag Agent tool make it easy to manage configurations, retrieve data, and share findings with collaborators.
- Broad Species & Environment Coverage: With 250+ tag variants and taxa-specific attachment systems, researchers can find a solution for virtually any study organism.
Cons
- High Cost: Specialized scientific hardware and satellite connectivity come at a premium price, which may be prohibitive for smaller research teams or institutions.
- Hardware Dependency: Data collection requires physical tag deployment, which involves field logistics, veterinary expertise, and animal handling considerations.
- Limited Self-Service Customization: Custom tag configurations may require direct engagement with the Wildlife Computers engineering team, adding lead time to project planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of animals can Wildlife Computers tags be used on?
Wildlife Computers offers tags designed for a wide variety of species, including seabirds, pinnipeds (seals and sea lions), hard-shell and leatherback turtles, cetaceans (whales and dolphins), sharks, fish, and penguins.
What tracking technologies do the tags use?
Tags use a combination of the Argos Satellite System for global data transmission, Fastloc® GPS for rapid location fixes, and Light-Based Geolocation for archival positioning — often in combination depending on the tag model and study needs.
How do I access and manage my tag data?
The Wildlife Computers Data Portal allows researchers to configure tag settings, access archived and transmitted data in the cloud, and download datasets. The Tag Agent desktop application also facilitates local tag administration.
How long has Wildlife Computers been in operation?
Wildlife Computers was founded in 1984 and has over 42 years of experience designing and manufacturing wildlife telemetry solutions for the global scientific community.
Can Wildlife Computers build custom tags?
Yes, Wildlife Computers offers custom tag development through their engineering team. Researchers with unique requirements not met by standard products can contact the company via the Project Information Form on their website.
