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Satellite tracking and avian conservation in Asia

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Abstract

Using satellite tracking, we have followed the migration of birds in Asia for more than 10 years. We have investigated the migration patterns of around 15 species of birds, focusing on, but not limited to, cranes (Gruidae) and storks (Ciconiidae). To relay bird locations, we employed platform transmitter terminals in combination with ARGOS satellites. Location data were then utilized in a variety of applications, from determining migration routes, stopover patterns and wintering sites, through more advanced analyses including using various data overlays to examine habitat use, occupation of nature reserves, differential migration patterns between adults and juvenile birds, and the connectivity and network structure of migration pathways. We have also developed recommendations for spatial improvements to nature reserves. We emphasize the importance of continued empirical research and development of analytical methodologies involving satellite location data in concert with effecting conservation outcomes using satellite-derived data.

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Acknowledgements

We do not have the space here to thank everyone who has contributed to the research described above, but would like to particularly acknowledge the field staff and helicopter pilots we have worked with, and the following people: V. Andronov, G. Archibald, B. Auyrsana, Y. Darman, G. Fujita, O. Goroshko, J. Harris, N. Germogenov, S. Javed, Y. Kanai, N. Kanmuri, A. Kovhsar, V. Krever, J. Minton, N. Mita, E. Morishita, M. Nagendran, K. Ozaki, M. Parilov, M. Soma, H. Shimazaki, R. Suwal, M. Tamura, and M. Ueta. Masaki Fujita and Emiko Moriya helped with preparing the figures of this paper. Research funds were provided by NEC, NTT, Yomiuri Shimbun, Ministry of the Environment, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Biodiversity Science, School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan

    Hiroyoshi Higuchi

  2. Department of Conservation, Marine Conservation Unit, Wellington, New Zealand

    Johanna P. Pierre

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  1. Hiroyoshi Higuchi
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  2. Johanna P. Pierre
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Correspondence to Hiroyoshi Higuchi.

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Higuchi, H., Pierre, J.P. Satellite tracking and avian conservation in Asia. Landscape Ecol Eng 1, 33–42 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-005-0002-4

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