Design of a LoRa-Based Multisensor Device for the Internet of Animals

The monitoring of wildlife through advanced tracking technologies is crucial for ecological research, conservation efforts, and the study of animal behavior. However, most existing tracking devices are primarily designed for positional data collection, with limited integration of biologically relevant sensors. This work presents the design, development, and evaluation of a low-power, multisensor tracking device tailored for long-term wildlife monitoring. Our device integrates a comprehensive set of sensors and novel methodologies to acquire additional information about animals, including monitoring heart rate and respiration in free-ranging individuals. We optimize energy consumption through an advanced power management system, leveraging energy harvesting to ensure long-term operational sustainability. We validate the system with extensive laboratory tests on energy efficiency and data accuracy. This research paves the way for next-generation wildlife tracking devices capable of supporting more comprehensive studies in conservation biology and environmental monitoring.