Animal Monitoring Data System

Our Backstory

Dr. Katrina Gobetz, a biology professor at James Madison University, has conducted many long term surveys of small mammals at meadow restoration sites. Mammals are live-trapped for data on species diversity and population dynamics. As the meadow develops, the study tracks changes in these parameters that may be compared with similar restoration efforts. Katrina's research experience was the inspiration to the development of the Animal Monitoring Data Station and System.

Traditional field research requires multiple trips to the field to check traps and create hand written notes and observations. In some research, the trapping process can prove to be dangerous to the animal, and can result in the occasional bite as a researcher collects data.
The AMDS is not a trap, but an enclosure that allows an animal to enter and exit at will. The station collects the specimen's weight via a scale when the animal enters the station. A camera equipped with night vision captures a photo or video of the animal, to determine the gender, size, and behavior of the mammal. The station also includes a sensor to capture measurements on the habitat's humidity and temperature.
All of your research data is wirelessly sent from the station to a database in the cloud and is easily accessible from your account via any device.

Harrisonburg, VA

animal.monitoring.systems@gmail.com