Autonomous monitoring of vulnerable habitats using a wireless sensor network

In the natural sciences, researchers use a variety of techniques that rely on extensive man-hours and can therefore be difficult to scale. This obviously limits questions that concern large spatial scales or that involve large numbers of animals. Here, we describe the design and deployment of a wireless sensor network that delivers high resolution sensor data while monitoring seabirds on a UK National Nature Reserve. We describe some of the problems encountered and the solutions we have used. In general, the network has successfully demonstrated its utility in a real world scenario and will be extended and enhanced for the coming field season. Copyright 2008 ACM