The internet of animals: Visualizing Animal Movements Across the Globe by Der SPIEGEL

This print infographic captures the movement patterns of various animal species, showcasing their behaviors and migrations over time. It distills complex tracking data into an accessible format, enhancing our understanding of global wildlife dynamics.

Created as an introduction to a SPIEGEL article, the infographic focuses on the ICARUS project—a global initiative using satellites to track wildlife. By presenting data clearly and engagingly, it connects scientific research with public awareness, highlighting the urgent need for biodiversity and conservation in a rapidly changing world.

The visualization draws from diverse research projects, covering over a dozen species, including great whales, ringed seals, cuckoos, and Galápagos giant tortoises. It shows how animals traverse vast distances, like seabirds navigating the Arabian Sea or elephants roaming Africa, while highlighting their journeys over specific periods. By emphasizing the spatial and temporal aspects of these movements, the infographic reveals where animals travel and how their patterns evolve and intersect.

The design emphasizes clarity and engagement. Earth relief, grid lines, and annotations provide context, while careful use of color and layout makes patterns easy to interpret. By organizing data into distinct sections, the infographic avoids overwhelming viewers, offering key insights into each species. The vibrant lines on a dark background suggest a digital and futuristic aesthetic, underscoring technology's role in modern animal research.