New mobile app to track wildlife

A new mobile platform offering real time tracking of animals has been launched to facilitate the fight against wildlife poaching. Jumbo Mobile Phone Subscriber Service (JUMPS) is designed to curb poaching and provide security to elephants and rhinos in national parks.

The technology utilises GPS or Global Positioning System, mobile connectivity via SIM card, and a high resolution camera. The JUMPS gadget is strapped round elephant’s neck with camera positioned on top of elephant’s head to provide clear focus of wildlife interaction in the ecosystem. The device allows for recording and transmission of real time video and pictures together with accurate location coordinates via 3G enabled SIM cards.