An Arduino-based, low-cost GPS collar system designed to track wild elephants in Sri Lanka to mitigate human-elephant conflict through geofencing and immobility alerts.
Project Manager
Vidula Wickramasinghe
Target Delivery
Casing durability tests.
Location
Udawalawe Region, Sri Lanka
Current Phase
Prototyping / Feasibility
The project context, the problem being addressed, the delivery approach, and the intended outcome.
Elephant GPS Tracking Belt is a wildlife-tech concept focused on building an affordable, field-ready tracking collar system for elephants in high-conflict regions. It combines hardware design, geofencing logic, SMS-based alerts, and ranger-friendly monitoring workflows aimed at safer and earlier intervention.
The project was framed around Sri Lanka’s human-elephant conflict challenges and the need for scalable, open-technology alternatives to premium conservation hardware.
Commercial wildlife tracking systems are often too costly for broad deployment, leaving authorities with limited real-time movement visibility in areas where elephant movement can threaten lives and livelihoods.
Conceptualized a low-cost GPS tracking belt with geofencing, immobility alerts, and ranger-friendly monitoring workflows for proactive intervention.
Safer monitoring, faster response, and measurable reduction in conflict incidents in targeted pilot regions.
Project roadmap and current standing across the main delivery checkpoints.
complete
Discovery
current
Planning
upcoming
Design
upcoming
Development
upcoming
Testing
upcoming
Launch
upcoming
Maintenance
Plan versus current state
TBD
Next checkpoint
Casing durability tests.
Timing: Prototype window
Owner: Vidula Wickramasinghe Dependencies: Sensor validation, low-power tuning, and GPS test coverage
Timing: Before pilot readiness
Owner: Vidula Wickramasinghe Dependencies: Material testing and collar comfort constraints
Timing: Post-approval
Owner: Vidula Wickramasinghe Dependencies: Government approvals, veterinary support, and funding
0/3
Milestones
0/3
Deliverables Ready
1
High Risks
1
Open Issues
Project owner
Vidula Wickramasinghe
Team / department
Solo
Last updated
20 October 2025, 05:12AM AEDT
Completion markers
50 collars transmitting data.
Outputs currently produced or tracked for this project.
Low-cost collar prototype integrating GPS capture, alert logic, and ruggedized enclosure planning.
Low-bandwidth software view optimized for location updates and actionable alerts.
Operational structure covering pilot goals, field assumptions, and authority coordination.
| Deliverable | Owner | Type | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Hardware Prototype Low-cost collar prototype integrating GPS capture, alert logic, and ruggedized enclosure planning. | Vidula Wickramasinghe | Hardware | Not Started | Secure pilot funding. |
Ranger Dashboard Low-bandwidth software view optimized for location updates and actionable alerts. | Vidula Wickramasinghe | Web | Not Started | Refine field workflows. |
Deployment Framework Operational structure covering pilot goals, field assumptions, and authority coordination. | Vidula Wickramasinghe | Not Started | Prepare pilot documentation. |
Implementation and rollout notes for the current project approach.
Open issues, risk posture, dependencies, and assumptions for the current project state.
Likelihood: Medium • Owner: Vidula Wickramasinghe
Mitigation: Use heavy-duty belting, waterproofing, and stronger casing strategies.
Verified visuals and walkthrough media associated with this project.
Cover visual
Primary concept visual for the elephant tracking and alert system.
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Project brochure
Interactive project brief
Repository or product link
Available on request
Contact for access
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