In the autumn of 2025, the Polish company Ecotone introduced a new generation of GPS trackers for biological research featuring 4G data transmission. The product line is designed for animals of widely varying sizes—from small birds to bison, moose, and other large mammals. The devices enable researchers to obtain data on an animal's coordinates, movement speed, altitude, temperature, heading, three-axis acceleration, and activity levels. The GPS sampling interval can be configured to range from one minute to 24 hours.
The operating principle is quite simple: a miniature GPS/GNSS module records the animal's location, and onboard electronics store the data, which is then transmitted via a 4G Cat1 mobile network. Researchers receive a digital route, enabling them to analyze the animal's home range, movements, and activity. Depending on the model, the antenna may be internal or external. The housings are designed for field use and are rated as durable and water-resistant.
The most compact model in the lineup is the JAY 4G, designed for small birds . The JAY XS version weighs just 3 g and is suitable for birds weighing 100 g or more, while the standard JAY weighs 4.5 g and is intended for birds weighing 150 g or more. The tracker is worn like a "backpack" and features solar charging.
The CERVUS 4G is designed for deer, fallow deer, elk, and giraffes. It comes in the form of a veterinary ear tag and weighs from 25 g, including the tag itself. It also features solar charging, and the antenna can be either internal or external.
The CANIS 4G is designed for active large animals, such as wolves, jackals, hyenas, cheetahs, and coyotes. The tracker is mounted on a collar. Available housing options include the CANIS-50 (starting at 90 g) and the CANIS-100 (starting at 160 g). The LYNX 4G comes in versions weighing 125 g and 180 g and is suitable for lynxes, wolves, jackals, hyenas, and other mammals. Both models utilize 4G Cat1 connectivity and an internal antenna.
The largest model is the BISON 4G Cat1 . It is designed for bison, moose, buffalo, muskoxen, and even elephants. The device weighs 2.1 kg. Unlike the JAY and CERVUS, the BISON does not feature solar charging; the manufacturer uses a non-rechargeable lithium battery, with its lifespan depending on the selected GPS recording interval. It is attached via a collar.
Key characteristics:
JAY 4G — 3–4.5 g | birds | 4G Cat1 | solar charging;
CERVUS 4G — from 25 g | deer/moose/giraffes | 4G Cat1 | solar charging;
CANIS 4G — 90–160 g | wolves/hyenas/cheetahs | 4G Cat1 | lithium battery;
LYNX 4G — 125–180 g | lynx/wolf, etc. | 4G Cat1 | lithium battery;
BISON 4G — 2.1 kg | bison/moose/elephants | 4G Cat1 | non-rechargeable lithium battery.
The key feature of these devices is the scalability of a single technology, ranging from a 3-gram tracker for birds to a 2.1-kilogram collar for large animals. In this process, the GPS tracker becomes more than just a beacon; it collects a vast array of data on the animal's behavior. This creates a digital map of its life—tracking where it moves, at what speed, when it is active, and the territory it utilizes. Ecotone notes that its GPS telemetry systems are used by researchers across all continents, including Antarctica.
Sales: the models are available in the Ecotone European online store; the manufacturer invites customers to request a price and technical specifications for a specific configuration.
Source: hecotone.com.pl
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