How can wild animals be monitored without negative physical impact and without the permanent presence of an observer over a longer period?

In cooperation with the “Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology” two project teams developed a system based on RFID-(Radio Frequency Identification)technology for the automatic logging of the animals´ presence at certain places (e.g. feeding ground). The research objective was the continuous monitoring of endangered species, e.g. the European terrapin Emys orbicularis.

The project was appealing due to the interdisciplinary cooperation.

1. The students learned to understand the scientists´ costumer needs in order to offer and develop appropriate technical solutions
   

2. The scientists used the students´ know-how and the school resources to get support for their scientific work

   Technical project objectives

3. Calculations and metrological analysis of the RFID-system

4. Development, construction, implementation and documentation of the following functional units

* RFID-module with antenna * Power supply, control and memory unit * Remote control and data communication * Measuring peripherals (date/time, temperature, power supply)

1. Development, implementation and documentation of the microcontroller software

* Transmit/receive Transponder data * Measuring, monitoring and controlling routines * Data logging and storage * Data transfer to external equipment (e.g. mobile phone, notebook)

The project in the school year 2009/10 has been structured in the following project phases

• Sept., Oct.: initial research, basics, concept paper, test series
• Oct., Nov.: system development of hardware and software
• Dec., Jan.: implementation of the 1st prototype, tests, optimization
• Feb., Mar.: design, function test of the 2nd prototype
• Apr., May: field tests, documentation

This project has been completed.