Conservation-focused mapping of avian migratory routes using a pan-European automated telemetry network.

Abstract

Accelerated biodiversity loss has destabilized functional links within and between ecosystems. Species that cross different ecosystems during migration between breeding and nonbreeding sites are particularly sensitive to global change because they are exposed to various, often ecosystem-specific, threats. Because these threats have lethal and nonlethal effects on populations, many migratory species are declining, making this group especially vulnerable to global change. To mitigate their decline, research at a continental and flyway scale is required to adequately monitor changes in the migratory and demographic processes of populations during all parts of the annual cycle. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) could provide a solution to data gaps that exist for small, migratory species. Motus is an automated telemetry system for animal tracking that uses a single very-high-frequency radio signal to track tagged individuals. Motus can provide information on movements made by individuals of small migrant species, thereby aiding the understanding of aspects of their migration that could affect demographic parameters. Conservation-focused research opportunities related to Motus include identification of critical stopover sites that support and connect multiple species and insight into migratory decisions in small migrant birds related to environmental stressors, such as artificial light at night. Examples of stopover studies from the existing network that demonstrate its utility include identification of a high-conservation-value stopover area for the blackpoll warbler (Setophaga striata) in the eastern United States. Geographical gaps in the network across the Mediterranean region and across eastern Europe need to be filled to track continent-wide movements. Motus can provide individual-level migration information for a variety of small-bodied taxa, and a drive to expand the network will improve its ability to direct conservation plans for such species.