Animal Monitoring

While monitoring technology can support data collection, we must also ensure good record keeping practices.

While GPS tracking can be used to monitor location, NFC tags can be used to easily access records relating to that animal, and sensors can be used to observe movement and some biometrics, accurate identification and consistent data recording is still required.

It is important to ensure that the data we are collecting is correctly recorded for the right animal.

Data Collection & Good Data

When using monitoring systems we must ask ourselves:

Which animal does this relate to?

When was this recorded?

Is there any missing data?

Have we checked for any errors?

Can we make any reasonable conclusions?

If we do not have correct identification or dates, we could end up with difficult to use data.

Therefore, we should consider data quality as part of our monitoring process.

Simple Data Recording Process

To ensure we are keeping good records we can follow the steps below:

1. Consistent Identification

Ensure you are using consistent identification throughout. This should be checked when adding / reviewing data.

1. Consistent Required Fields

Ensure you have identified what fields are required, for example identification, relevant dates and management observations. Make sure you are using consistent formatting to make comparing and finding data easier.

1. Check For Issues

Check for any missing dates, duplicates, incorrect identification or records that cannot be clearly linked to an animal.

1. Error Correction

Correct any errors you find. Make sure you have a clear process for doing so. If possible keep enough information to ensure you can understand the history of your records.

1. Secure Data

Ensure your data is available to the correct people. Make sure you have appropriate security and back up measures.

Depending on your operation and systems you may want to follow a simple spreadsheet, or a dedicated digital recording system.

Technology

Below are examples of technologies that can be used:

Technology Purpose

GPS Tracking Monitor animal location

NFC Tags Easily access records relating to the animal

Sensors Observe movement and some biometrics

Ensure these are used for their intended purpose. Sensor data does not mean diagnosis and location data does not give a complete picture.

If we see a change in movement, we may want to observe further however we will not know why.

We should look at the data we have collected from monitoring alongside other relevant information. If there are any concerns about the animal’s health we should still seek veterinary opinion.

Problem

Before choosing technology to use consider what problem you are trying to overcome with your recording process.

Are you having issues with identifying the correct animals? Are you struggling to find previous records? Are you struggling to keep data consistently updated? Are you struggling to review observations?

Having a clear answer to this will help you decide what fields, processes and technology to use.

For an overview of different ways to monitor animals using GPS Tracking, NFC Tags and Sensors please see Animal Watch 365.

Conclusion

To ensure good animal monitoring we need consistent identification, useful data structures, validation and responsible interpretation.

The best place to start is not by collecting more data, but ensuring the data you are collecting is accurate, can be traced back to the correct animal and is useful to make the decisions you need to.