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Digital Planimetry for Assessing Wound Closure Kinetics in a Mouse Model
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Tracking animals to their death.

Graeme C Hays1

  • 1School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Warrnambool, Vic, 3280, Australia; Department of Biosciences, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, UK.

The Journal of Animal Ecology
|November 7, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bird migration is dangerous. Satellite tracking revealed raptor mortality rates were six times higher during migration than on breeding or wintering grounds, especially over the Sahara Desert.

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Area of Science:

  • Ornithology
  • Ecology
  • Conservation Biology

Background:

  • Migration is a critical life-stage for many migratory species.
  • Understanding mortality patterns during migration is vital for conservation efforts.
  • Previous studies have highlighted potential risks during migratory journeys.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify mortality rates of migratory raptors during different phases of their annual cycle.
  • To identify high-risk areas or periods during raptor migration.
  • To assess the utility of satellite tracking for inferring mortality in wide-ranging species.

Main Methods:

  • Satellite tracking of 51 migratory raptors across three species from Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Analysis of mortality data in relation to migratory and stationary periods.
  • Identification of specific geographical areas associated with increased mortality.

Main Results:

  • Mortality rates during migration were found to be six times higher than during stationary periods (wintering/breeding grounds).
  • The Sahara Desert crossing emerged as a particularly high-risk segment of the migratory route.
  • Satellite tracking proved effective in tracking birds to their demise and inferring mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Avian migration represents a period of significantly elevated mortality risk.
  • Targeted conservation strategies may be needed for high-risk migratory segments, such as the Sahara Desert.
  • Satellite telemetry is a valuable tool for studying mortality patterns and identifying critical habitats for migratory wildlife.