Digital wildlife observation: How ZEISS and Telekom are opening up new perspectives for nature observers

Monitoring wildlife populations in large forest areas presents a variety of complex challenges for area managers. One of the biggest hurdles is the sheer size of the areas to be managed: Extensive areas can only be effectively controlled with considerable time and personnel expenditure. In addition, there is the impassable terrain. Dense vegetation, steep slopes or hard-to-reach forest sections make it difficult to get an accurate picture of the state of the animal world on site. 

However, it is not only the natural conditions that set limits – organisational and structural deficits also have an impact. In many regions, conservationists are struggling with limited resources: a lack of personnel, a lack of vehicles or insufficient financial resources significantly limit the scope for action. In addition, there is often a lack of modern technology. Outdated or non-existent equipment prevents continuous, data-driven, and comprehensive observation of forest areas. 

Taken together, these factors mean that complete control of wildlife populations and their habitats is hardly possible – with potentially serious consequences for nature conservation, biodiversity, and the conservation of endangered species. This makes the need for contemporary, digital solutions that effectively support gamekeepers in their work all the more urgent. 

To effectively meet the many challenges in wildlife monitoring, ZEISS has developed an innovative solution – with reliable connectivity from Deutsche Telekom: the Secacam. This state-of-the-art trail camera combines ZEISS' proven imaging expertise with the possibilities of IoT technology to deliver high-resolution, real-time data directly from the field or forest – even from the most remote corners of nature. 

Thanks to Deutsche Telekom's integrated global SIM, a multi-roaming SIM card, the camera can always connect to the best available mobile network – regardless of location. This ensures stable LTE connectivity even in remote areas, where classic network coverage often reaches its limits. Other broadband technologies are also possible. This connectivity is supported by a robust hardware design: The trail camera is weatherproof and waterproof according to IP66 and works reliably in a temperature range of -20 °C to +55 °C – perfect conditions for outdoor use, all year round. 

The ZEISS Secacam app not only allows users to conveniently manage their cameras, but also receives real-time notifications, can view images instantly and adjust settings remotely. The integration of these digital components makes ZEISS Secacam a powerful tool for modern wildlife observation – efficient, reliable and future-oriented. 

What was particularly convincing about Deutsche Telekom's offer for ZEISS was that they only need one contract worldwide, with a reliable contact person, one platform and a flexible tariff model. In this way, two strong brands unite and offer real added value for the camera user.  All captured images and videos are available at any time on the mobile device via the ZEISS Secacam app via monthly service packages or prepaid offers. The three-stage and flexibly adaptable service packages offer additional features, such as remote control or AI animal recognition. When it comes to availability and security, you can rely on Deutsche Telekom's renowned network.  

The introduction of ZEISS Secacam not only brings technological innovations but also creates very concrete benefits – especially for nature conservation projects and area managers. The focus is on the possibility of monitoring large forest areas efficiently and in real time. Instead of time-consuming on-site patrols, the camera images can be conveniently evaluated remotely – a decisive gain in efficiency that conserves personnel resources and accelerates work processes.

Especially regarding injured or sick animals, the new technology is a real step forward. Due to the continuous image transmission, abnormalities can be detected at an early stage, so that a faster reaction and help can be organized. The complete documentation also provides valuable data for wildlife management: populations can be observed in a more targeted manner; behavioural patterns can be analysed and measures can be planned accordingly in a more well-founded manner.

But it is not only conservationists who benefit. The ZEISS Secacam is also a strategic step from a company's point of view: ZEISS is tapping into new target groups with the digital trail camera – including above all tech-savvy nature observers, hobby naturalists, hunters and younger users who appreciate smart applications. The camera thus becomes the interface between classic optical excellence and modern digitalization.

A key success factor of the project is the close cooperation with Deutsche Telekom. Reliable network coverage, the appropriate IoT tariff model and easy activation via the M2M service platform create a technical basis on which the digital nature experience works smoothly. This makes ZEISS Secacam not only a practical tool in the field – but also a showcase project for a successful digital transformation in nature conservation.

The integration of modern IoT technology shows how digital solutions can help strengthen nature conservation while improving the working conditions of those who work every day to preserve our forests and their inhabitants. 

As Europe’s leading telecommunications provider, Deutsche Telekom IoT delivers end-to-end solutions for smart infrastructures and complex IoT projects worldwide. With our expertise and innovative technologies – including NB-IoT, eSIM, global roaming, IoT platforms, and mobile as well as satellite-based networks – we help companies make their processes more efficient, sustainable, and future-proof. This enables them to reduce complexity and unlock the full potential of the Internet of Things.