Innovative Tracking Technology
In the past, GPS tracking has been used to track birds and other animals. This has problems because it is expensive to install GPS trackers on a wide range of birds and many trackers need to be charged because they run out of batteries. This means it is almost impossible to re-tag the same bird as when the batteries run out, the bird is nowhere to be found.
Mason T has solved these problems by reversing how QR code technology is used.
Mason T's invention is to mass-produce low-cost elastic bands. The QR bands each have a unique QR code printed around the circumference. They will also be light as they do not need any batteries.
After mass-producing the QR bands, volunteer conservationists, rangers and vets will attach the QR bands to endangered bird species. The QR bands come in different sizes and are elastic so that they can stretch as the necks or ankles of the birds grow. The QR bands do not need a battery. This means they are cheap and they will last until the bird gets old and dies. Each QR code has individual information about the bird it is tagged to like its health information and location.
The final step is to program all government CCTV cameras and other cameras in public areas so that they scan the individual QR codes on the QR bands as the birds fly by. There can also be an app on everyone's phones that sends the data to the government when the bird QR code is scanned.
Finally, using QR bands is cheap, long-lasting and good for the environment as they do not need more batteries to be made. For these reasons, I believe that the government should buy my QR bands.
By being able to track bird movements, the government and conservationists like Save the Birds can monitor population sizes, habitat preferences, and when and where the birds migrate. This data is needed to find ways to safeguard species from becoming extinct. For example, if the habitat of an endangered bird is small, then we should not build more houses there.
What data is collected
A smartphone or camera can quickly process the data stored in the QR code, making it a convenient way to store and access data.
As each bird is fitted with an individualised QR code, the location of the bird that wears the QR band can be tracked when they check into various CCTV cameras that are placed throughout cities, and on highways. This data can be compared to other birds.
This will help conservationists and governments to make decisions that will help protect the populations of endangered birds. For example, if the birds usually go to the same habitat or place, then the government can stop people from building on the land. Also, if the birds' habitat is destroyed by fire, then the government can try to reduce the fires at that location .
Every Scan Counts
Every scan counts and Save the Birds wants to protect and track endangered birds, like the Gouldian Finch. Save the Birds wants to give thousands of QR bands to rangers, vets and other wildlife conservationists around the country. After attaching our QR bands, a variety of endangered bird species will be tracked. The government will have to agree and use their technology on their CCTV cameras which will scan each QR code as the birds pass. There are so many CCTV cameras everywhere that watch us, its time for them to watch and save the birds.