Background

In 2023, we began catching and fitting GPS tags to large honeyeaters to investigate their movements across different scales. In 2024, we were successful in obtaining an ARC Discovery Grant to scale up this project, using noisy friarbirds as a model system. 

Approach

We fit GPS tags that communicate via the IoT (internet of things), allowing us to obtain data across the range of where the honeyeaters move.

We use GPS tracking data, primarily on noisy friarbirds but also a range of complementary species, to answer questions about movements at three scales. At the first scale, we aim to understand how birds contribute to genetic connectivity between tree patches, with a particular focus on their interactions with revegetation sites. To achieve this aim, we work closely with Greening Australia who have been revegating the local landscapes for over 30 years.

At the second scale, we aim to capture broader movements within a landscape, to better understand nomadic behaviours of honeyeaters.

Finally, at the broadest scale, we aim to understand more about the migratory behaviours, including how honeyeaters make migratory movements, what flyways they use, when they move, and the overall migratory connectivity of the population. 

While we deploy our tags onto common species, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of honeyeater migration in order to better inform conservation actions for some of Australia's most endangered birds—including the regent honeyeater. We also work together with researchers on regent honeyeaters, with industry, and with the Australian Government to build strategies that might help mitigate the risk of impacts on honeyeater populations from renewable energy infrastructure.

Who is working on this project?

This project is co-led by James Klarevas-Irby and forms the PhD of Esha Shekar.