Simien Mountains National Park Employs GPS to Monitor Endemic Red Foxes

SIMIEN MOUNTAINS – In a significant technological stride, Simien Mountains National Park has unveiled a GPS tracking system aimed at monitoring and protecting its native Red Fox species. The park, collaborating with the Ethiopian Wildlife Protection Authority and international organizations, has initiated this innovative conservation effort.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, the Red Fox Conservation Program Coordinator speaking with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the newly implemented Collar GPS tracker system has been fitted to eight red foxes within the park. These foxes, which are part of a larger familial group, are now under constant surveillance, providing data on their daily movements and the environmental hazards they face.

This initiative follows a successful pilot project where GPS trackers were used on two red foxes, yielding vital data on their behavioral patterns and survival challenges, particularly in the face of threats like predation and injuries. The technology also aims to curb illegal poaching by tracking animal movements in real time.

Residing predominantly at altitudes exceeding three thousand meters, the red foxes are among the unique wildlife inhabitants of the 412-square-kilometer Simien Mountains National Park. Recognized as Ethiopia’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it encompasses critical habitats, including the Ethiopian highlands’ apex, Ras Dashan.

The park is a refuge for several endangered species, among them the Ethiopian Wolf and the Walia Ibex, exclusive to this geographical location. Other notable residents include the Gelada Baboon and the elusive caracal. The park’s biodiversity extends to avian life, hosting over 50 bird species like the bearded vulture, known for its vast wingspan.

This GPS tracking initiative marks a pivotal step in the park’s conservation strategies, leveraging technology to enhance wildlife protection and gather invaluable ecological data.