Introducing the IoT Assistant: Making Sense of Sensors for Conservation
Connected Conservation Foundation announces the launch of an AI-powered decision-support tool that helps conservation practitioners identify the most effective IoT (Internet of Things) devices for data collection, while inviting users to contribute field reviews that advance shared learning and innovation.
Across the world’s protected landscapes, conservation teams are being asked to do more with less. With shrinking budgets, growing threats, and vast areas to cover, every sensor, ranger, and byte of data counts. Technology is now playing a critical role in real-time response and planning to keep ecosystems resilient—helping conservationists track the locations of wildlife, rangers, and vehicles, as well as assess the status of natural resources, such as grazing lands and watering holes, against growing pressures.
A key part of this technology ecosystem is LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network)—a global, open standard that connects low-power, low-cost IoT sensors over long distances. It enables affordable, energy-efficient monitoring of wildlife, assets and ecosystems. But with thousands of sensors flooding the market—from small rhino tracking tags and water level gauges to fence alarms and vehicle trackers—how do you choose the right one for your needs?
Meet the new IoT Assistant
With the help of our partners, we have developed an AI-powered decision-support tool to simplify, enhance, and inform IoT sensor selection, backed by real-world reviews from practitioners.
Powered by large language models and real-world field data, the Assistant analyses reviews and use cases to recommend the best-fit sensors and gateways for your specific conservation scenario. Whether you’re setting up a fence monitoring system in Namibia or testing predator tracking collars in Kenya, the Assistant offers expert, field-tested guidance instantly. Think of it as a digital conservation technologist, available 24/7.
Have you used LoRaWAN sensors in the Field?
Let us know what works for you! We invite you to review IoT LoRaWAN sensors and rate them to share your experiences with other practitioners.
➡️ Submit your sensor review
➡️ Visit our IoT LoRaWAN Assistant to get insights
Your feedback helps refine AI recommendations, validate devices under real-world conditions, and guide manufacturers toward developing better-performing and more resilient technologies.
Field-test innovation
To ensure real-world relevance, we’re collaborating with a diverse range of partners, including Madikwe Game Reserve, Lapala Wilderness, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and The Safari Collection Footprint Trust. Together, an ever-growing range of IoT devices is being field-tested and deployed. With 130 sensors already reviewed across wildlife tracking, infrastructure monitoring, and environmental sensing—and a goal of 200 by mid-2026—CCF is building a comprehensive, field-informed database to support effective conservation technology deployments.
Ongoing validation
Our technical team reviews and validates each submission to ensure reliability and accountability, working closely with the sensor manufacturers to ensure reviews are fair and take in the full context of the deployments, device performance and resilience.
The result is a virtuous cycle of innovation: users share data → AI refines insights → manufacturers iterate → conservation outcomes improve. Visit our IoT LoRaWAN Assistant to get insights.
