Global Opportunities Project

Tracking Poachers using BLE Beacons

(2019)

Arduino 3D Printing

Internet of Things (IoT) Sustainability (SU) Middleware (M) Infrastructure / Systems (IS) Human Computer Interaction (HCI)

Project Overview

Evaluates Bluetooth Low Energy beacons and concealed receivers as a low-cost method to trace poacher vehicle movements in remote jungle terrain.

Tracking poacher vehicles in remote jungle environments presents significant challenges due to the lack of satellite or cellular coverage. This project explores whether Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons can provide an effective low-cost tracking solution in such harsh terrain.

We prototype a tracking approach that deploys BLE beacons along rural roadways with concealed receivers hidden inside target vehicles. When a vehicle passes each beacon, the receiver captures the unique beacon ID. Upon reaching areas with GSM signal, the collected data is transmitted via SMS for analysis.

Field testing was conducted at the Danau Girang Field Centre in Sabah, Malaysia. Controlled experiments and real-world trials evaluated detection effectiveness under heavy jungle foliage, assessing signal obstruction impacts and optimal beacon placement. Results inform deployment guidelines for wildlife conservation teams operating in similar environments.