Application of locally manufactured GPS tracking technology in wildlife reintroduction in Serbia

Abstract

In Serbia, many game and threatened species currently exhibit low population abundance and fragmented distributions, prompting state authorities and expert bodies to initiate species reintroduction programs. The conservation translocation of species to habitats from which they have been disappeared is a complex process that depends heavily on careful planning and effective monitoring. GPS telemetry, particularly through the use of modern GPS tags, has become a valuable tool for obtaining critical data on spatial and behavioral ecology, resource selection and their conservation. However, the implementation of GPS technology in Serbia is still emerging due to limited resources and the high cost of imported equipment. Developing locally manufactured alternatives could provide a cost-effective and readily available solution for advancing wildlife research in the region. This study evaluates the performance of GPS tags developed by the Serbian company CANANDI (Niš), a pioneer in the field, in tracking three species: Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra Linnaeus, 1758), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, 1758), and Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo Linnaeus, 1758). A total of four GPS tags were deployed to assess their effectiveness in monitoring above-mentioned species and to evaluate their potential for broader application in conservation efforts. Preliminary findings, although limited, highlight the usefulness of GPS tags in the reintroduction process. Results provided valuable insights into the ecological requirements of marked individuals, including the detection of mortality in a Chamois; the successful adaptation of an Eagle Owl to its new environment; and dispersion patterns of two Red Deer stags, one of which adapted to the pre-release enclosure while the other moved outside the fenced area. These initial findings demonstrate the potential of locally manufactured GPS technology in supporting wildlife conservation and management. As such they provide a valuable foundation for future research and improved species reintroduction strategies in Serbia and neighboring areas