Radio-tracking Galapagos Finch with Island Conservation

[MONITORING & MANAGEMENT INVASIVE SPECIES]

The Galapagos Islands are home to a diverse array of species, including the iconic Galapagos Finch. These remarkable birds have fascinated scientists and conservationists for generations, serving as a symbol of both the unique biodiversity of the islands and the ongoing efforts to protect them.

Conservation Challenges

Despite their importance to the ecosystem, Galapagos Finch populations face numerous threats, including habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. These challenges have put many species of finches at risk, highlighting the need for robust conservation efforts to safeguard their future.

Tracking and monitoring Finches

Island Conservation is using Wildlife Drones’ telemetry system to track five species of native finches in collaboration with Galapagos National Park, the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency, and other partners. This ambitious initiative aims to remove invasive species and reintroduce native wildlife to restore the island’s ecological balance. Island Conservation reported on February 22, 2024, the culmination of years of planning and preparation, five species of native finches were released on Floreana Island. Over 500 finches, including Medium Tree-finches, Small Ground-finches, Medium Ground-finches, and Cactus Finches, were set free in both the highlands and lowlands of the island.

Track up to 40 radio-tagged birds simultaneously

Tracking birds with radio telemetry has been the go-to method for anyone seeking to understand movements. However, the effort involved in finding tagged birds using hand-held receivers has always been a costly and daunting task. Due to the limited detection range, many people have traditionally spent hours traipsing across vast (and sometimes inhospitable) terrain whilst holding a radio receiver and yagi antenna aloft for hours on end in the hope of detecting their tagged birds.

In contrast, using Wildlife Drones to track birds you can cover up large areas in a single flight and gain confidence on where the birds are (or aren’t) across the landscape. Drones are perfect for any terrain and can survey even the most rugged of mountains. Radio-tracking drones are proving to be an efficient and effective solution.

Categories: #InvasiveSpecies