What about ethics?

Nowadays, ethics is a theme of great concern in science, above all when working with wild animals.

In our team, we all take care of birds welfare. Their well-being is always considered first when taking any decision or discussing any topics. Of course, this regards also my project.

As already mentioned elsewhere, my project is part of a bigger European conservation project, therefore, it follows the European guidelines as well. To collect data for my research I equip the birds with GNSS loggers during the flights.

This is a completely non-invasive technique.

First, loggers are external. Birds are equipped with custom-made leg-loop harnesses and aerodynamic backpacks. Inside the backpacks there are the loggers, which are really light, to not disturb nor tire the birds while flying.

Second, birds are habituated slowly to carry first the harness, then the backpack and finally the extra-weight of the logger (everything weights max 5% of their body weight).

Third, only foster mothers are allowed to handle the birds. Indeed, the birds are not stressed by this as they spontaneously search for vicinity and body contact with the foster mothers (see picture).

 

Juveniles of Northern bald ibis near the foster mothers during a training flight pause. Credit: Waldrappteam

Putting loggers and tracking the birds is also one of the duties of the reintroduction and conservation project and is nationally and internationally (as specified in the Objectives of the LIFE project) approved. There are many reasons why birds are tracked during and after the migration. The main one is that every bird is really precious to the project and the outcome of great effort. All of them need protection and therefore, tagging and tracking the birds is fundamental.

During migration flights, it might happen that some individuals get scared and separate from the flock. In the past, one of the reasons of this happening were eagles. Therefore, knowing the position of these individuals is of great help to get them back. This does not happen very often, however it is good to be prepared to it.

When the birds are set free, it is even more important to track their movements. Birds are sadly victims of poaching and electrocution. Tracking helps to find individuals that get injured and might need treatment. It is also useful if they are already dead, to catch poachers or to find dangerous pylons. For this purpose, the Max-Plank-Institute for Ornithology in close collaboration with Waldrappteam has also developed an App, called Live Tracking. With this app, it is possible to follow the movements in the environment of the tagged birds.