Motus

Facilitated by: Pam Loring, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 5, Migratory Bird Program. E-mail: pamela_loring@fws.gov

Purpose: The purpose of the workshop is to familiarize delegates with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus is latin for ‘movement’), give examples of current research in the Caribbean and Atlantic Flyway, and discuss and encourage ideas for new tracking projects to advance our understanding of bird movements and habitat use.

Overview: The Motus Wildlife Tracking System is a collaborative research network that uses coordinated automated radio-telemetry arrays to study movements of tagged wildlife. This workshop will provide an overview of digital VHF transmitter technology for tracking various species and information about how to install and operate automated radio telemetry stations. The workshop will also include examples from case studies using the Motus network and information on best practices for planning new studies. Methods for exploration and visualization of tracking data will also be discussed.

Objectives

● To provide an overview of the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, including background and current efforts

● To build capacity among current and prospective Motus partners in the Caribbean

● To develop ideas for new tracking projects, stations, and collaborations in the Caribbean

Session Structure

● Session will begin with a PowerPoint on the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, including transmitter and receiving station technology, collaboration and data sharing, and applied examples to address research and conservation objectives

● Demonstration on accessing, exploring, and visualizing tracking data using Motus.org

● Presentation on best practices for planning new studies

● Group discussion of possible projects in the Caribbean including possible opportunities for collaboration