Journal
BIOSCIENCE
Volume 61, Issue 9, Pages 689-698Publisher
OXFORD UNIV PRESS
DOI: 10.1525/bio.2011.61.9.7
Keywords
tracking technology; geolocators; cellular tracking; satellite transmitter; radar ornithology
Categories
Funding
- National Science Foundation [541740]
- Division Of Integrative Organismal Systems
- Direct For Biological Sciences [0744704] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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Basic questions about the life histories of migratory birds have confounded scientists for generations, yet we are nearing an era of historic discovery as new tracking technologies make it possible to determine the timing and routes of an increasing number of bird migrations. Tracking small flying animals as they travel over continental-scale distances is a difficult logistical and engineering challenge. Although no tracking system works well with all species, improvements to traditional technologies, such as satellite tracking, along with innovations related to global positioning systems, cellular networks, solar geolocation, radar, and information technology are improving our understanding of when and where birds go during their annual cycles and informing numerous scientific disciplines, including evolutionary biology, population ecology, and global change. The recent developments described in this article will help us answer many long-standing questions about animal behavior and life histories.
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