Multi-sensor data loggers identify the location and timing in four poaching cases of the endangered Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

Abstract

The Eurasian Curlew is an endangered migratory shorebird benefiting from numerous conservation efforts in Europe, including the remote tracking of individuals to document habitat use and migration strategy. Formerly hunted in France, the species is subject to a hunting ban since 2020. By analysing the data collected by multi-sensor tags deployed on curlews, we were able to document four poaching cases of this endangered migratory bird. Using geolocations, instant acceleration, temperature, battery charge and battery charging current, we determined the place and time where poaching occurred. For comparison, two cases of naturally dropped tags and two cases of naturally predated curlews are also presented. This report is an illustration that the employing of remote multi-sensor tag monitoring has the potential to inform management projects on imperilled or harvestable species affected by illegal or cryptic sources of mortality.