Comparing imaging, acoustics, and radar to monitor Leach's storm-petrel colonies.

摘要: Seabirds are integral components of marine ecosystems and, with many populations globally threatened, there is a critical need for effective and scalable seabird monitoring strategies. Many species nest in burrows, which can make traditional methods costly, infeasible, or damaging to nesting habitats. Traditional burrow occupancy surveys, where possible, occur infrequently therefore lead an incomplete understanding population trends. For example, Oregon, during the last three decades have been large changes abundance Leach's storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhoa), included drastic declines at some colonies. Unfortunately, failed capture timing magnitude change, limiting managers' ability determine causes decline curtailing management options. New, easily repeatable quantifying relative needed. this study, we tested remote monitoring: passive acoustic monitoring, time-lapse cameras, radar. Abundance indices derived from acoustics imagery: call rates, energy, counts were significantly related estimates storm-petrels. Due sampling limitations, unable compare radar occupancy. Image correlated all other indices, including radar, while not correlated. Acoustic data likely reflect different aspects hold potential further development disentangle phenology, attendance breeding birds, reproductive success. We found that image comparable standard (e.g., radar) producing annual indices. recommend managers consider scheme incorporates both imaging, but sites inaccessible humans, remains sole option. Implementation camera based programs will provide much needed information vulnerable group seabirds.