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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Integrating Remote Sensing with Species Distribution Models; Mapping Tamarisk Invasions Using the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling (SAHM)

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How hazardous is the Sahara Desert crossing for migratory birds? Indications from satellite tracking of raptors.

Roine Strandberg¹, Raymond H G Klaassen, Mikael Hake

¹Department of Animal Ecology, Lund University, Ecology Building 22362, Lund, Sweden. roine.strandberg@zooekol.lu.se

Biology Letters

|December 4, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Migrating birds face high risks crossing the Sahara Desert, with juveniles experiencing 31% mortality per attempt. This perilous journey significantly impacts bird survival and breeding success.

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Area of Science:

Ornithology
Ecology
Animal Migration

Background:

The Sahara Desert presents a significant barrier for migratory birds.
Understanding the risks associated with this migration is crucial for conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the risks and mortality rates of raptors crossing the Sahara Desert.
To evaluate the impact of Sahara Desert crossings on bird survival and breeding success.

Main Methods:

Satellite telemetry was used to track over 90 journeys across the Sahara Desert by four raptor species.
Analysis of aberrant behaviors, travel speeds, and mortality events during crossings.

Main Results:

Forty percent of Sahara crossings involved aberrant behaviors, indicating difficulties.
Juvenile raptors had a 31% mortality rate per crossing attempt, versus 2% for adults.
Sahara passage mortality accounted for up to half of total annual mortality in juveniles.

Conclusions:

The Sahara Desert crossing poses a substantial risk to migratory raptors, particularly juveniles.
Aberrant behaviors during migration can lead to delayed breeding and reduced reproductive success.
Satellite tracking is an effective tool for identifying high-risk periods and locations in avian migration cycles.