Evidence for deleterious effects of harness-mounted satellite transmitters on Saker FalconsFalco cherrug

Abstract

2016) Evidence for deleterious effects of harness-mounted satellite transmitters on Saker Falcons Falcocherrug, Bird Study, 63:1, 96-106, Capsule This study identifies lethal and sub-lethal effects associated with the deployment of harnessmounted satellite transmitters on a large falcon species. Aims We examined the effect of harness-mounted satellite transmitters and patagial tags on survival, behaviour and physical health of adult Saker Falcons. Methods We compared breeding turnover of Saker Falcons deployed with harness-mounted satellite transmitters or patagial tags with unmarked birds identified by using genetic markers. In addition, observational data were recorded on the breeding behaviour and physical condition of birds with satellite transmitters. Results This study found evidence of decreased survival, together with sub-lethal behavioural and physical effects, associated with the deployment of harness-mounted satellite transmitters on Saker Falcons. We found no effect of fitting patagial tags on breeding turnover, although the removal of patagial tags by several birds may have indicated they caused some degree of discomfort. Conclusion Researchers using harness-mounted transmitters on this, and similar, falcon species need to assess how these deleterious effects may impact on species conservation, the welfare of individual birds and the interpretation of their studies. © 2016 British Trust for OrnithologyBird Study (2016) 63, 96-106 http://dx.

Results of the GPS/GSM-tracking of Juvenile Saker Falcons in the Altai-Sayan Region

“…For Central Europe, for example, it is shown that regardless of the place of origin, almost all juvenile Saker Falcons migrate to the south-west (an average 210°) (Prommer et al, 2012). For the populations of Central Mongolia, with a wide post-fledging dispersal, migrations of Sakers are mainly directed to the south-west (Potapov et al, 2002;Dixon et al, 2017), which is determined by the optimum wintering conditions for Saker Falcons in Tibet.…”

“…Максимальная скорость по анализу 2-6 часовых промежутков у разных птиц ва-of the Mongolian Saker Falcons in Tibet: MCP 70% varied from 3 km 2 to 18.5 thousand km 2 (Dixon et al, 2017). The areas of home ranges in Tibet calculated as Kernel 50%, varied from 3.6 to 131.5 km 2 , mean 36.98 km 2 (Dixon et al, 2017), which is slightly lower than the area of home ranges of our birds that wintered in Kazakhstan, North-West China and Mongolia (36.1-132.81, mean 79.82±35.83 km 2 ). It is definite, that the area of home ranges depends on the availability and abundance of prey, and it is probably higher in Tibet due to the high density and concentration of the Black-Lipped Pika (Ochotona curzoniae) colonies.…”

“…A low survival rate of Saker Falcons in the first year of life, which was 11.76% in our study, is comparable to the rate in Mongolia, where the survival rate of juveniles during 1CY was 11.4% while the sample set was significantly larger (Dixon et al, 2016). The contribution of poaching to the losses of immatures in our study was 47.06% (and 87.5% of birds captured by poachers were females), of deadly incidents on power lines -11.76%.…”

“…Скорость, с которой балобаны могут преодолевать небольшие расстояния, может приближаться к 80-90 км/ч (до 92 км/ч), однако продолжительное время соколы не могут держать такую скорость. Максимальная скорость по анализу 2-6 часовых промежутков у разных птиц ва-of the Mongolian Saker Falcons in Tibet: MCP 70% varied from 3 km 2 to 18.5 thousand km 2 (Dixon et al, 2017). The areas of home ranges in Tibet calculated as Kernel 50%, varied from 3.6 to 131.5 km 2 , mean 36.98 km 2 (Dixon et al, 2017), which is slightly lower than the area of home ranges of our birds that wintered in Kazakhstan, North-West China and Mongolia (36.1-132.81, mean 79.82±35.83 km 2 ).…”

Integrated tool for microsatellite isolation and validation from the reference genome and their application in the study of breeding turnover in an endangered avian population

“…Classically, individual identification relies on visible markers such as leg bands (Lincoln 1921), patagial tags (Anderson 1963) and remote radio transmitter devices such as short-range VHF or satellite-received transmitters (Varland et al 2007;Diemer et al 2014). These marking techniques have greatly facilitated the estimation of survival, but they can be labor intensive, time consuming and costly, and potentially have deleterious impacts on the behavior, physiology and survival of individuals through catching and handling and from the equipment deployed (Klugman et al 1993;Booms et al 2011;Peniche et al 2011;Dixon et al 2016).…”