Iridium and Smithsonian's Movement of Life Initiative Team Up to Help Protect Endangered and Threatened Species

Rhea-AI Summary

Iridium Communications has launched a groundbreaking program supporting the Smithsonian's Movement of Life Initiative, enhancing conservation efforts through advanced animal tracking.

This collaboration utilizes Iridium's satellite network to monitor wildlife in hard-to-reach areas, allowing real-time data transmission to aid conservationists in protecting endangered species like elephants and giraffes. The initiative features partnerships with collar manufacturing firms to facilitate effective data collection and communication in the field.

Positive

• The program enhances wildlife tracking in remote areas, promoting better conservation efforts.
• Collaboration with Smithsonian strengthens Iridium's position in the conservation sector.
• Use of advanced satellite technology improves data collection and communication.

Negative

• None.

The company has created a special program to support Smithsonian scientists advancing conservation through the science of animal tracking

MCLEAN, Va., Dec. 14, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) announced it has created a first-of-its-kind program in support of the Smithsonian Institution's Movement of Life Initiative, which advances conservation through the science of animal tracking.  Through this program, Iridium^® satellite connections are enabling Smithsonian scientists to overcome the challenge of tracking wildlife in remote areas, enabling better understanding of threats to the survival of terrestrial, avian, and marine life.

"Many of the landscapes where we work are large and inaccessible on foot or by vehicle, areas where Iridium offers a reliable solution to collect data on wildlife and their movements.  The transmission of data in real-time is also vastly important, allowing field teams to respond to animals that are potentially in threat," said Jared Stabach, research ecologist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the terrestrial program lead for the Smithsonian's Movement of Life Initiative. "By collaborating with Iridium, we're better positioned to protect species and their habitats, providing information that informs conservation efforts on the ground."

Among the first species included in this program are Asian elephants, Masai giraffes, jaguars, wildebeests, bobcats, and addax (a rare antelope native to the Sahara Desert).  Animal location data is sent over the Iridium network at predetermined intervals, enabling conservationists to monitor positions and transmit data to research bases or park ranger outposts as required. To aid the work of field conservationists, Iridium Extreme^® Push-to-Talk (PTT) devices are also being used to provide reliable group communications for scientists and their teams while deployed in the field.

"The Movement of Life's global animal conservation efforts are incredibly important for the protection of threatened and endangered species, and Iridium is uniquely qualified to help with on-the-ground efforts in an impactful way," said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. "This partnership was a natural fit, and we're happy to join the Smithsonian in this important work and to play a part in better understanding the migrations of these animals and ecological impacts on their well-being."

This program is made possible through collaboration with Iridium partners that are supporting implementation, including collar manufacturing and service provision.  These partners include Applied Satellite Technology Ltd (AST) and Savannah Tracking Ltd, and Ground Control and VECTRONIC Aerospace. 

For more information about Iridium, visit: www.iridium.com

Iridium Communications Inc. 
Iridium^® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new specialty broadband service, Iridium Certus^®. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com. 

Media Contact:
Jordan Hassin
Iridium Communications Inc.
Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com 
+1 (703) 287-7421
Twitter: @Iridiumcomm

Investor Contact:
Kenneth Levy
Iridium Communications Inc.
Ken.Levy@Iridium.com 
+1 (703) 287-7570

 

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SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc.

FAQ

What is Iridium's partnership with the Smithsonian about?

Iridium's partnership with the Smithsonian involves a program to support wildlife conservation through advanced animal tracking technologies.

What species are included in the Iridium and Smithsonian conservation program?

The program includes endangered species such as Asian elephants, Masai giraffes, jaguars, and wildebeests.

When was the Iridium and Smithsonian partnership announced?

The partnership was announced on December 14, 2022.

What technology does Iridium use for wildlife tracking?

Iridium uses its satellite network to transmit animal location data in real-time for better monitoring of wildlife.

What is the stock symbol for Iridium Communications?

Iridium Communications trades under the stock symbol IRDM on Nasdaq.