Margo Luminous Tracking Collar: The Future of Wildlife Tracking Technology
The Margo Luminous Tracking Collar is the result of four years of re-imagining wildlife tracking technology. We incorporated a single housing design, solar charging, and state-of-the-art reception which unlocks performance never before seen in a two-way satellite tracking collar. Our 170g device can collect hourly GPS fixes on a long-term basis and in ideal conditions will relay position to our web interface seconds after collection – allowing near real-time monitoring. After extensive field testing, we are excited to release this product to the larger wildlife community. Collar Features: 1 GPS fix per hour 2+ years of standalone battery life 5+ years of battery life with solar 170g device weight (~250g total weight) High-resolution data Single housing design Best-in-class reception Near real-time data possible Configurable accelerometer data Global coverage on Iridium network Reporting Information: User-friendly web app with data download Web-based tracking provides latitude, longitude, solar power level, and temperature of the unit View satellite images of any active collars Transparent representation of data
Preventing Human-Bear Conflict With Computer Modelling Technology
Press Release – Margo Supplies Announces New Human-Bear Conflict Research Collaborating with UBC OkanaganMargo Supplies is excited to launch a computer modeling study this year. In this project, our team will work with Dr. Lael Parrott from UBC Okanagan to identify the most effective methods for reducing conflict in Whistler, BC. Additionally, this collaboration will combine academic expertise with practical field experience. Federal Funding SupportDr. Parrott recently received federal funding through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Engage Grant. This grant, in turn, encourages partnerships between innovative Canadian companies and university experts. Moreover, it provides resources to develop solutions with real-world applications. Understanding Human-Bear ConflictsConflicts occur when bears become habituated to humans or access unnatural food, such as garbage. Consequently, these food-conditioned bears can threaten property and public safety. Unfortunately, authorities often euthanize them when conflicts escalate. Non-Lethal Deterrent StrategiesTo address these risks, we will focus on non-lethal deterrents and attractant management. Specifically, strategies include aversive conditioning using pyrotechnic noisemakers, or “bear bangers,” and electric fencing around known food sources. In addition, these methods help conserve bear populations while protecting people. Creating a Simulation ModelThe Engage Grant will fund a computer agent-based model of the Whistler Valley ecosystem. Within this model, simulated bears will interact with the virtual environment. As a result, we can test deterrent strategies and predict their effectiveness before applying them in the field. Forecasting Bear BehaviorOur model will forecast how bears behave under different management scenarios. By including both deterrent costs and responses to problem bears, municipalities can plan better. Consequently, this tool helps allocate resources efficiently and reduce human-bear conflicts. Voices from the Project“I think most people enjoy sharing the landscape with bears,” says Jeff Marley, president and founder of Margo Supplies. Therefore, we want to give municipalities a tool to guide their bear programs and help people coexist safely with wildlife. “Human-bear conflict is a complex issue with ecological and social dimensions,” adds Dr. Lael Parrott. By analyzing how bears respond to human development across the landscape, we can improve management. Ultimately, this approach protects both bears and people.