AU2021102218A4

AU2021102218A4 - Apparatus and system for identification and monitoring of animals

Info

Publication number: AU2021102218A4
Application number: AU2021102218A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Ian Smith
Original assignee: Ceres Tag Ltd
Current assignee: Ceres Tag Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-11
Filing date: 2021-04-27
Publication date: 2021-06-17
Anticipated expiration: 2025-10-05
Also published as: AU2021202601B2; AU2017239570B2; AU2021102218B4; AU2017239570A1; AU2021202601A1

Abstract

A wearable animal tracking apparatus for monitoring and controlling an animal wearing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a position detector for determining position of the animal wearing said apparatus; an identifying module comprising information relating to the animal wearing said apparatus; a processor in communication with the position detector, the stimulator and said identifying module; and a communications device coupled to the processor for transmitting information from the identifying module and the position detector to a remote location over a communications network. 1/5 200 Figure 1 1000 300A -300B 1200 140 100~< Figure 2

Description

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APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION AND MONITORING OF ANIMALS TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus and system for identifying, monitoring and controlling animals. More specifically, the invention relates to monitoring, management and controlling livestock, for example sheep, cattle or other ruminant animals, in an open range. The invention may also be used for monitoring non-ruminant animals.

BACKGROUND

The discussion of any prior art documents, techniques, methods or apparatus is not to be taken to constitute any admission or evidence that such prior art forms, or ever formed, part of the common general knowledge.

Monitoring livestock movement over large areas can be beneficial for many reasons. Monitoring of livestock is important for reducing losses through theft, disease and also complying with relevant laws. Livestock theft and fraud is a major issue and most incidents of livestock theft go unsolved. It is common for stolen livestock in one state to be transported across regional boundaries and be sold at full price in another region.

It is important for an overseer to monitor location, health and behaviour patterns of livestock in order to maintain an asset register of the animals. Until recently, the technology to monitor individual livestock over their lifetime in the vast open ranges where they graze was not available. Many existing devices are limited to use in short range detection and do not provide real-time monitoring of the animals over their grazing range. Satellite communications systems have historically been too bulky and expensive for use in these kinds of applications.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect, there is provided a wearable animal tracking apparatus for monitoring and controlling an animal wearing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a position detector for determining position of the animal wearing said apparatus; an identifying module comprising information relating to the animal wearing said apparatus; a processor in communication with the position detector, the stimulator and said identifying module; and a communications device coupled to the processor for transmitting information from the identifying module and the position detector to a remote location over a communications network.

In an embodiment, the identifying module provides animal related information to the processor for transmission to a remote location for uniquely identifying the animal wearing the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the wearable animal tracking apparatus further comprises an accelerometer in communication with the processor, for generating animal movement and behaviour information.

In an embodiment, the communications device includes an RF transmitter/receiver and an associated antenna, suitably for radio transmission over at least one frequency band.

In an embodiment, the antenna is fully enclosed within an internal space defined by a housing of a tag member.

In an embodiment, the communications device includes a networking chip mounted on a circuit board with the processor, said networking chip being adapted for being powered by a power source.

In an embodiment, the networking chip includes a transceiver adapted for direct satellite communications.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least a first tag member adapted for being positioned in a spaced relationship relative to a second tag member and a securing portion positioned in between said first and second tag members for securing the tag members to the animal during use.

In an embodiment, the first and second tag members are mechanically interconnected by one or more connecting members.

In an embodiment, the first and second tag members are mechanically interconnected by spaced apart connecting members.

In an embodiment, the connecting members electrically connect the tag members wherein upon interconnection, the apparatus is electrically actuated to activate the position detector and the processor of the apparatus.

In an embodiment, one of the tag members comprises an outwardly exposed solar panel for charging a rechargeable power source housed in said first tag member.

In an embodiment, the wearable animal tracking apparatus further includes at least one sensor for monitoring the wearing animal's health or well-being, preferably including a temperature sensor.

In an embodiment, the processor is in communication with a memory device, said memory device comprising executable instructions for: receiving data indicative of the position of said animal from said positioning detector; receiving a query from a remote location; and responding to the query with transmission of identification data from the identifying module and position data over the network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a tracking and controlling device 1000 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of a tracking and controlling device 1000 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an underside perspective view of a tracking and controlling device 1000 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the tracking and controlling device 1000;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an animal monitoring and controlling system 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention employing base stations;

Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of an animal monitoring and controlling system 2500 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention employing direct satellite communications;

Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of the animal monitoring and controlling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6A is another schematic diagram of the animal monitoring and controlling system in accordance with the alternative embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a side view of a tracking and animal controlling device 5000 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a frontal view of a tracking and animal controlling device 5000;

Figure 9 is a first perspective view of the tracking and animal controlling device 5000;

Figure 10 is a second perspective view of the tracking and animal controlling device 5000; and

Figure 11 is an exploded view of the tracking and animal controlling device 5000.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an animal tracking and controlling device 1000 is illustrated, including in the context of an animal A in a tracking and controlling system 2000 as shown in Figure 5. The device 1000 is provided in the form of an electronic tag and includes a first tag member 100 that is spaced away from the second tag member 200. During use a portion of animal's skin, such as an animal's ear, may be positioned in between the first tag member 100 and the second tag member 200 and mechanically interconnected by interconnecting members 300A and 300B that also electrically connect the first tag member 100 with the second tag member 200.

The first tag member 100 comprises two spaced apart panels 120 and 140 to define a housing 130 that houses electronic circuitry 110 for the device 1000. Specifically with reference to Figure 3 (wherein the second panel 140 is removed for clarity), the circuitry 110 includes a position detector in the form of a Global Positioning System ("GPS") receiver device 150 for determining position of the animal wearing the device 1000. In the preferred embodiment, the GPS receiver 150 is adapted for polling one or more GPS satellites 700, in a manner, as will be explained in the subsequent sections. The circuitry in housing 130 also includes an optional stimulator device 160. The optional stimulator device 160 may be provided in the form of a piezoelectric buzzer operable for example at a frequency of 4KHz is used for selectively applying stimulus to the animal. An identifying module in the form of a radio frequency identification device ("RFID") tag 170 comprising information relating to the animal wearing the device 1000 is also provided in the housed circuitry 110.

The circuitry 110 within housing 130 of the tag member also includes an accelerometer 175. In the preferred embodiment, the accelerometer 175 functions as a three-dimensional ("3D") digital linear acceleration sensor and a 3D digital magnetic sensor. The circuitry 110 of device 1000 also includes a processor 180 that communicates with the GPS receiver device 150, stimulator device 160; RFID tag 170 and a memory unit 190. The stimulus device 160 may include an audible and/or vibrating warning module coupled to electrodes 205 extending from the said device. A warning can be issued when the livestock animal approaches an alert boundary or virtual fence, for example within a distance of 0-1Om, depending on allotted boundary distance. The audible and/or vibration warning stimuli is to alert the livestock animal that it is approaching the virtual fence. The livestock animal wearing the electronic tag is able to learn through experiencing alert vibrations and/or sounds and can then avoid future stimuli.

The processor 180 is also in communication with a non-transitory memory device 190, such as a ROM chip. The memory device 190 contains processor executable instructions for applying a warning to the animal, with sound and/or vibration, when the animal is within allocated distance from the virtual fence. A stimulus may also be applied to the animal wearing the device 1000, for example where it continues toward the virtual fence. Specifically, the instructions involve the steps of activating the warning and/or stimulator to deter the animal from approaching and/or crossing one or more pre determined boundaries and for simultaneously transmitting animal information from the RFID tag 170 to a remote location over a communications network.

The processor 180 is also associated with a communications device, such as radio frequency transmitter/receiver 195 with an integrated RF antenna (not shown) which allows data transmission between the device 1000 directly to satellite, or via a terrestrial network 500 to a base station 600 according to a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) specification. The LPWAN is particularly suitable for wireless battery operated or powered devices such as the animal tracking device 1000 in regional networks. The LPWAN allows secure bi-directional wireless communication between a remote base station and the devices 1000 worn by animals (A) in a given geographical area or "virtual field". In an alternative embodiment, a networking chip providing a transceiver for direct satellite communications may be employed for communications purposes. One example is a device supplied by Myriota Pty Ltd of Adelaide, South Australia. This satellite architecture can obviate the need for a base station in some applications.

The LPWAN network architecture used for implementing a system 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as depicted in Figures 5 and 6, is typically laid out in a star-of-stars topology. In this topology a gateway, such as the base station 600, forms a transparent bridge relaying messages between a plurality of animal tracking devices 1000 and a central network server 550 in the backend. In the case of the gateways, base stations may be connected to a network server via standard IP addressed connections, while the animal tracking devices 1000 may use single-hop wireless communication by utilising low radio frequencies to one or many gateways or base stations positioned within a regional area such as a livestock station. The network server can include a user interface allowing a user to pre-program the boundaries of animal use or exclusion areas, for example by entering map coordinates of virtual fence lines.

All end-point communications with the animal tracking device 1000 is expected to be generally bi-directional. However, the Applicant also envisions support for operations such as multicast enabling software upgrade over a mobile telephone network or other mass distribution messaging system to reduce the on-air communication time and thus conserve power consumption. Communication between the animal tracking devices 1000 and gateways or base stations 600 is expected to spread out on different frequency channels and data rates. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna associated with communications device 195 is suitable for use in a frequency range of 800-900 Mhz.

A direct satellite architecture for implementing an alternative system 2500 of a further embodiment of the invention is depicted in Figures 5A and 6A, wherein the base stations are replaced by low earth orbit (LEO) satellites 650 (distinct from the GPS satellites 700). In this system, each of the tags 1000 worn by respective animals (A) communicate directly with one or more of the LEO satellites 650, which are in turn linked to a terrestrial network 500. This system is particularly useful in remote areas that are devoid of convenient base station type infrastructure.

Returning to Figure 3, the second tagging member 200 includes a power supply that includes a battery 210, preferably a long life, rechargeable battery. The power supply may also include a solar collector 220, suitably mounted on an exposed surface of second tagging member, for trickle charging the battery 210. Solar re-charging can assist in reducing the number of times animals wearing the device must be captured and restrained to service batteries. External power jacks may also be added to facilitate fast recharging of the battery 210. In a further variation, the accelerometer or other inertial generator can also deliver current that may be used to charge the battery. During use, battery voltage and current readings may be monitored by the processor 180 and communicated to the user. Suitably the circuitry is provided with a "sleep" mode - such as when the animal is inactive - to reduce power consumption, whereby the apparatus can be "woken" by animal movement.

A variety of commercially available batteries are suitable for use herein, including but not limited to nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride batteries, and lithium ion batteries. In at least some embodiments, polymer batteries also known as an Integrated Power Source (IPS) with plastic characteristics that employ light weight solid substance electrolytes capable of accepting multiple charging and discharging cycles may be used. The polymer batteries lend themselves to be custom conformed, fitted, or tailored to many applications. For example, the battery 210 may be shaped in an oval configuration to conform to the shape of the second tag member 200. However, in other embodiments, the battery may be provided as part of the first tag member 100. It is also envisioned that the second tag member 200 may manufactured by integrating polymer batteries and the solar collector in a single module may allow the housing, battery and charge management system to be constructed as a wholly integrated assembly, with the batteries also serving as a housing for associated electronic components used for charge management.

Each of the first and second tag members 100, 200 is mechanically interconnected by connecting members 300A, 300B which allow the device 1000 to be fastened onto the sagittal section of the pinna or other portion of the animal's ear. Each of the connecting members 300 comprises an outwardly extending male connector or barrel 310 (extending from the second tag member 200) that is adapted for being received and electrically connected to the first tag member 100. The connecting members 300 carry out a number of important functions. First, the connecting members 300 electrically connect or actuate the power supply in the second tag member 200 to the electronic circuitry housed in the first tag member 100. In some optional embodiments, the barrel 310 of the connecting member 300 may be provided with an outer wall of conducting material to optionally deliver electric shock to a plurality of locations of the animal's ear. A spring-loaded contacting portion 320 may contact the surface of the animal's pinna where the barrel 310 pierces the tissue of the animal's ear. During use, the animal's pinna tissue may function as a dielectric between two contacting portions 320 (electrodes). Varying levels of stimulation are determined by the duration of the acoustic and/or electric shock information.

The connecting member 300 may also be provided with sensors 330 such as temperature sensors located along the connecting members 300A or 300B for recording the temperature of the animal or the temperature of the animal's surroundings and communicate the sensed information to the processor 180. Animal temperature of individual livestock animals may also be calculated by utilising information received from satellite using Infra-Red (IR) or other thermographic wavelength to determine the animal's health or well-being and be communicated into the network.

The operation of the present method and system for monitoring animals by utilising the tracking device 1000 will now be described. In order to execute an animal tracking operation in accordance with an embodiment, the processor 180 may be programmed by storing executable instructions on the memory device 190 in communication with the processor 190.

In the preferred embodiment, the memory device 190 connected to the processor 180 includes executable instructions for: • receiving data indicative of the position of said animal from the GPS receiver 150 for determining movement and direction of said animal; • receiving a query from the remote location; and * responding to the query with transmission of identification data from the identifying module and location related data to enable quantifying the number of animals with tags in a given location.

When animals are roaming in a grazing area (as shown in Figures 5 and 6), the base station may communicate with a plurality of the tracking device 1000 worn by the animals in the grazing area. In one example, the base station may receive the GPS coordinates of each animal wearing the tracking device 1000 every 0.1-15 seconds depending on conditions. Alternatively, when the animals are roaming in a grazing area, the GPS coordinates may be communicated directly to a remote location over a network without being routed via the base station.

At selected intervals, in this case 0.1-15 seconds, the GPS receiver 150 in each tracking device 1000 may be controlled by the processor 180 to poll the GPS satellites 700 and collect raw GPS data representing the associated animal's position within the grazing area (see FIG. 6). The raw GPS data is then conveyed to the processor 180 and upon receiving the GPS data, the processor may store the GPS data in the memory unit 190 provided in each of the tracking device 1000.

The processor 180 may be programmed to time stamp the GPS data and also associate the animal's unique identify information (contained in the RFID module 170) with the GPS information and optionally time stamp the GPS information.

In an embodiment, the base station or satellite may transmit a command for retrieving information from each of the tracking devices 1000. Upon receiving the command, the processor 180 responds to the command by sending the raw GPS data, animal related information and time stamp stored in its resident memory 190 to the base station or satellite. The base station or satellite may in turn transmit the received information with a unique identifier (associated with each animal) via a Radio Frequency (RF) communication link. Upon receiving the information, the base station (or the gateway) or satellite may process and/or transmit the information to a remotely located server for further processing.

During use, the user may provide user input on a computing device that is connected to one or more of the satellites, gateways or base stations to define the invisible geo-fence within which the user wishes to retain animals (wearing the device 1000) for a period of time. Upon receiving and processing the user input, the information relating to the invisible geo-fence may be transmitted and saved on the memory unit 190 to one or more of the devices 1000 in communication with the satellites, gateways or base stations.

Advantageously, the user may be able to update or change the boundaries defining the invisible geo-fence, if such a need arises. The functionality of allowing remotely located users to update or change the boundaries defining the invisible geo-fence is advantageous for efficiently managing livestock by gradually changing the boundaries to herd the livestock into desired grazing areas and prevent overgrazing. Embodiments of the present invention may therefore allow users to dynamically change the position of the boundary encompassing the area within which the animal is to be retained thereby allowing the boundary to be dynamic. The present invention may also allow user to control the device 1000 such that the dynamic boundary can be gradually or incrementally changed so as to direct the animal toward a fresh grazing area. The dynamic fencing functionality therefore allows an improved way of managing grazing in large pastoral areas.

In order to monitor the movement of the animals in over large areas, each animal may be fitted with device 1000. The RFID module 170 fitted on each individual tracking device 1000 is unique to a specific animal and may be assigned to the animal for long periods of time. The satellites, base station or gateway may regularly communicate with each individual tracking device 1000 and collect GPS information based on the positions recorded by the GPS receivers 150 in each of the devices 1000 in communication with orbiting GPS satellites 700. The collected GPS information attributed to each unique animal may be transmitted for being logged on a remotely located server in communication with the satellites or gateway over the network. Similarly, each animal's movement related information, as recorded by the accelerometer 175 in each tagging device 1000 may also be transmitted to the satellites and/or base station and a remote server.

The communication in between the tracking devices 1000 and the base stations may be carried out at selected time intervals. In some embodiments, the time interval may be pre-programmed into the memory unit 190 in communication with the processor 180 in each of the tagging devices 1000. In other alternative embodiments, an interrogator may also be used for regularly communicating with the tracking devices 1000 in a given area to obtain GPS and movement related information from each of the tracking devices 1000.

In some embodiments, the tracking devices 1000 may also communicate with each other to exchange information without communicating with the satellites or base station. By way of example, in some embodiments, some of the tracking devices 1000 may be pre-programmed for exchanging information with other pre-selected tracking devices 1000. Furthermore, these pre selected tracking devices 1000 may also be programmed for processing the exchanged information and selectively activating the warning or stimulator device. For example, the pre-selected tracking devices 1000 may be assigned to one or more bulls and these pre-selected tracking devices 1000 may be programmed to activate the stimulator device in the pre-selected tracking devices when the bulls are within a pre-defined distance to ensure that the bulls do not come into physical contact with each other.

The tracking devices 1000 in the preferred embodiment include RF (radio frequency) and wireless componentry for communication systems with very low power consumption, which can receive small signals at very long distances. The present technology may include a wireless communication system or datalink that may operate the gateway at a local livestock feeding operation or ranch/farm, which may be termed the base or headquarters. The tracking device 1000 is inexpensive, and by using RF based technology for communicating with each tagging device 1000, the need cellular capabilities in each tracking device 1000 is eliminated, thereby decreasing the cost significantly.

In other embodiments of the tracking device 1000, cell phone capability may be added to track the sensors over a longer range. The short range wireless function may be optional. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee and other standard wireless capabilities could also be added for use as a control, indicator, or other means.

In some embodiments, the tracking devices 1000 may remain in sleep mode for power management until the satellite or base station datalink provides the correct code to wake up one or more of the remote tracking devices 1000. Once the tracking device 1000 wakes up, it may transmit information including movement and location related information in a manner as previously described.

Referring to Figures 7 to 11, another embodiment of the invention in the form of a tagging device 5000 is illustrated. The device 5000 is provided in the form of an electronic tag and includes a first tag member 1100 that is removably connected to, but spaced away from, the second tag member 2200. During use, a portion of animal's skin such as an animal's ear may be positioned in between the first tag member 1100 and the second tag member 2200 and interconnected by interconnecting member, here in the form of a shaft 3300 that mechanically and also electrically connects the first tag member 1100 with the second tag member 2200. The first tag member 1100 comprises two spaced apart panels 1120 and 1140 to define a housing 1130 that houses electronic circuitry for the device 1000. The housing 1130 includes a position detector in the form of a GPS receiver, mounted on a circuit board 1190 for determining position of the animal wearing the device 5000. In the present embodiment, the GPS receiver is adapted for polling one or more GPS satellites 700, in a manner previously explained in the earlier sections. The housing 1130 also includes a stimulator device 1160. In the preferred embodiment, a piezoelectric buzzer operable at a frequency of 4KHz is used for selectively applying stimulus to the animal wearing the device 5000.

An identifying module in the form of an RFID tag comprising information relating to the animal wearing the device 5000 is also provided in the housing, suitably mounted on the circuit board 1190. The housing 1130 also includes an accelerometer that is mounted on the circuit-board 1190. In the preferred embodiment, the accelerometer 1175 functions as a 3D digital linear acceleration sensor and a 3D digital magnetic sensor. The device 5000 also includes a processor that communicates with the GPS device, the stimulator device 1160; RFID tag (not shown) and a memory unit.

In a variation of the present embodiment, the device 5000 may also include additional stimulating means in the form of a warning module. Specifically, an audible and/or vibrating warning module may be built into the device 5000. The warning module (not shown) may emit a warning sound or a warning signal when the livestock animal approaches a pre-determined boundary. By way of example, the device 5000 may be configured to trigger the warning module when the animal is within 10 meters from the pre-determined boundary. An outer surface of the housing 1130 may also be provided with visual indicia 1135 indicating information related to the animal wearing the tagging device 5000.

As explained in the previous sections, the memory device in communication with the processor of tagging device 5000 includes executable instructions for triggering a warning for the animal with sound and/or vibration within an allocated distance from fence and provide a stimulus to the animal wearing the device 5000. Specifically, the instructions may involve the steps of activating the warning module to deter the animal from crossing or approaching one or more pre-determined boundaries and for simultaneously transmitting information from the RFID tag to a remote location over a network. The processor is also associated with a network communications chip (not shown) to allow bi-directional transfer of data about the animal back and forth via a network 500 from/to a remote location.

The second tagging member 2200 has a power supply that includes a battery 2100 located in the housing 1130, preferably a rechargeable battery. The power supply also includes a solar collector 2220 positioned on an outer surface of the second tagging member 2200 for trickle charging the battery 2100, thus reducing the number of times animals wearing the device must be restrained to service or replace batteries. External power jacks may also be added to the housing 1130 facilitate recharging of the batteries 2100 and/or the accelerometer or inertial generator may also be used to charge the battery. During use, battery voltage and current readings may be monitored by the processor and communicated to the user, as required.

Each of the first and second tag members 1100 and 2200 are interconnected by one or more connecting members 3300 which allows the device 5000 to be fastened onto the sagittal section of the pinna or portion of the animal's ear. The connecting member 3300 comprises an outwardly extending male connector (here extending from the second tag member 2200) that is adapted for being mechanically received by and electrically connected to the first tag member 1100. The connecting member 3300 in the present carries out a number of significant functions. First, the connecting member 3300 electrically connects the solar collector 2220 on the second tag member 2200 to electronic circuitry housed in the first tag member 1100. Secondly, the connecting member 3300 is provided with an outer wall of conducting material to optionally deliver electric shock to a plurality of locations of the animal's ear. A spring-loaded animal contacting portion, that protrudes from the housing 1130 in use, may also contact the surface of the animal's pinna where the connecting member 3300 pierces the tissue of the animal's ear. During use, the animal's pinna tissue may function as a dielectric between two contacting portions provided along a body of the connecting member 3300. Varying levels of stimulation are determined by the duration of the acoustic and/or electric shock information.

The connecting member 3300 may also be provided with sensors such as a temperature sensor (not shown) located along one of the connecting members 3300 for recording the temperature of the animal or the temperature of the animal's surroundings. The recorded sensor data can then be provided to the processor of the tagging device 5000, for storage and/or communication to remote location for exchange or monitoring purposes.

The tagging device 5000 may operate in a similar manner as the previously described tagging device 1000 in accordance with a method as explained in previous sections.

In at least some embodiments, the present invention encompasses an apparatus such as a bolus that can be inserted under the skin of the animal in at least some embodiments.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural features or methodical steps. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features or steps.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the apparatus, method and system herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A wearable animal tracking apparatus for monitoring and controlling an

animal wearing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a position detector for determining position of the animal wearing said

apparatus;

an identifying module comprising information relating to the animal

wearing said apparatus;

a processor in communication with the position detector, the stimulator

and said identifying module; and

a communications device coupled to the processor for transmitting

information from the identifying module and the position detector to a remote

location over a communications network.

2. A wearable animal tracking apparatus wherein the identifying module

provides animal related information to the processor for transmission to a

remote location for uniquely identifying the animal wearing the apparatus.

3. A wearable animal tracking apparatus further comprising an

accelerometer in communication with the processor, for generating animal

movement and behaviour information.

4. A wearable animal tracking apparatus wherein the communications

device includes an RF transmitter/receiver and an associated antenna,

suitably for radio transmission over at least one frequency band.

5. A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with claim 4

wherein the antenna is fully enclosed within an internal space defined by a

housing of a tag member.

6. A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with any one of

the preceding claims wherein the communications device includes a

networking chip mounted on a circuit board with the processor, said

networking chip being adapted for being powered by a power source.

7. The wearable tag member of claim 6 wherein the networking chip

includes a transceiver adapted for direct satellite communications.

8. A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with any one of

the preceding claims wherein the apparatus comprises at least a first tag

member adapted for being positioned in a spaced relationship relative to a

second tag member and a securing portion positioned in between said first

and second tag members for securing the tag members to the animal during

use.

9. A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with claim 8

wherein the first and second tag members are mechanically interconnected by

one or more connecting members.

10.A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with claim 9

wherein the first and second tag members are mechanically interconnected by

spaced apart connecting members.

11.A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with claims 9 or

wherein the connecting members electrically connect the tag members

wherein upon interconnection, the apparatus is electrically actuated to activate

the position detector and the processor of the apparatus.

12.A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with claim 10 or

11 wherein one of the tag members comprises an outwardly exposed solar

panel for charging a rechargeable power source housed in said first tag

member.

13.A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with any one of

the preceding claims further including at least one sensor for monitoring the

wearing animal's health or well-being, preferably including a temperature

sensor.

14. A wearable animal tracking apparatus in accordance with any

one of the preceding claims wherein the further the processor is in

communication with a memory device, said memory device comprising

executable instructions for:

receiving data indicative of the position of said animal from said

positioning detector;

receiving a query from a remote location; and

responding to the query with transmission of identification data and

position data over the network.