Documented experience
Il Italian Wood Pigeon Coordination would like to express sincere congratulations to our French colleagues at Palombe et Tradition for the excellent work they are conducting in applied scientific research on wood pigeons. Their recently documented experience, with the equipment of wood pigeons with satellite GPS transmitters, represents a concrete example of how technology can be put to the service of knowledge.
What the research method allows
Thanks to satellite telemetry, it is possible to track the movements of individuals in real time, anywhere in the world, without the need for recapture, collecting crucial data on migration. This research method allows us to:
• accurately trace migratory routes;
• determine the phenology of migration;
• verify fidelity to wintering and nesting sites;
• analyze speed, altitude and flight behavior;
• identify crucial stop-over, feeding and rest areas;
• correlate the presence of birds with potential risks such as habitat loss or impacting infrastructure;
• provide scientific basis for internationally coordinated conservation agreements and plans.
Objective and solid data
This is an extraordinarily important research tool, capable of providing objective and robust data, essential for modern and informed management of the species. The Italian Wood Pigeon Coordination also has among its objectives the development and support of satellite telemetry projects applied to the wood pigeon. Its commitment is focused on fundraising and collaboration in financing studies that include:
• the application of transmitters to subjects captured during post-nuptial migration, to study the winter movements, migratory routes and phenology of the species, as well as the monitoring of wintering sites in Italy and Europe;
• monitoring during pre-nuptial migration, to precisely identify nesting sites;
• the study of breeding subjects and young captured in Italy, including in urbanized areas, to understand errant movements, seasonal movements and dynamics of nesting populations.
The attention of the hunting world
The Coordination is convinced that scientific research applied to management is the best way to demonstrate, with concrete data, that the hunting world is committed to biodiversity conservation, responsible management, and species protection. The wood pigeon is a fascinating and, in many ways, still mysterious migrant. Understanding it better means better protecting it. In the coming months, the support of all enthusiasts will be sought to actively contribute to this ambitious project (source: Coordinamento Colombaccio Italia).
You May Also Like ..
