Scientists are launching a unique program to enlist dogs, goats, and other animals in predicting earthquakes and volcanic eruptions by monitoring their movements from space. Using advanced tracking technology, researchers hope to uncover insights into animal behavior related to natural disasters while also studying health and migration patterns in wildlife.
Researchers have initiated a groundbreaking program aimed at understanding animal behavior in relation to natural disasters, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. This study includes thousands of dogs, goats, and various wildlife species, using miniature transmitters for monitoring their movements via a dedicated satellite set to launch next year. The research aims to uncover insights into animal responses during imminent natural events and their health, migration patterns, and the effects of climate change.
Project leader Martin Wikelski from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behaviour expressed that the initiative seeks to create a global observation network, potentially involving six satellites. Early findings from experiments near Mount Etna indicated that goats exhibit behavioral modifications prior to volcanic eruptions, illustrating their potential predictive capabilities. For instance, goats display heightened anxiety and avoid typical grazing areas, signaling an impending eruption.
Furthermore, the study extends to other farm animals, such as dogs and sheep, which have demonstrated similar forecasting behaviors regarding seismic activity. Throughout the past 12 years, these species have accurately predicted seven of eight significant earthquakes in the Abruzzo mountains. Historical accounts reveal that disturbances in animal behavior before disastrous events have been documented as far back as the ancient Greeks.
The underlying mechanisms driving these behaviors remain a subject of speculation. Researchers postulate that these animals might react to changing electromagnetic fields or gas emissions arising from tectonic activity. The International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space (Icarus) enables this innovative research through advancements in tagging technology with compact digital transmitters allowing monitoring of a wide range of species.
Additional applications of this technology include monitoring wildlife health, particularly among wild boar populations, to track diseases like African swine fever. Moreover, the research can enhance understanding of animal migration patterns influenced by climate change. With plans to launch the Icarus CubeSat next year, scientists aim to collect comprehensive data on animal behaviors which may illuminate natural phenomena globally.
The intriguing notion that certain animals possess the ability to predict natural disasters has fascinated researchers. This new initiative encourages the collaboration of various scientists with expertise in wildlife behavior and monitoring technology. By leveraging advanced tracking technology and the historical context of animal behavior, scientists hope to uncover valuable insights into not only disaster forecasting but also broader ecological concerns, such as health and climatic effects on wildlife. This research emerges during a pivotal time when environmental changes and their implications for animal behavior are highly relevant.
In conclusion, the initiative to study animal behaviors as a means of predicting natural disasters represents a significant advancement in ecological research. Through the employment of innovative tracking technologies, researchers can gain valuable insights into how various species respond to potential threats, advancing our understanding of wildlife health and migration patterns. As the program progresses, it holds promise for improved disaster preparedness and enhanced conservation efforts in the face of climate change.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
