Contact detection for social networking of small animals

Abstract

Biological research often tracks animal using collars containing a wireless sensor that transmit telemetry or positional data. However, when dealing with small animals, the size and weight of conventional telemetry is often an obstruction and can alter animal behavior. In this study we take a look at the the viability of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to develop a low power contact logger which tracks contacts between small rodents. Using the BLE Discovery Process, a contact logger can reliably detect nearby loggers without the need to set up an actual connection. We manufactured a prototype with an extremely small footprint to demonstrate the feasibility.