Migratory patterns and settlement areas revealed by remote sensing in an endangered intra-African migrant, the Black Harrier (Circus maurus).

摘要: Annual movements have been widely described for birds migrating across the Americas and between Eurasia Africa, yet relatively little information exists intra-African migrants. Identifying areas used throughout a species annual cycle by understanding migratory patterns settlement during breeding non-breeding seasons is essential conservation initiatives. Here, we describe first time, of an endangered raptor endemic to Southern Black Harrier (Circus maurus). From 2008 2015, thirteen adult Harriers were trapped in south-western South Africa fitted either with GPS-GSM or PTT tracker device. Adults monitored 365 ± 198 days (range: 56–819 days) revealing great individual variability movements. Most performed unusual West-East migration from their areas, but routes all individuals covered entire southern land area Lesotho. The distance travelled averaged 814 324 km, unlike many other species, migrants faster post-breeding (i.e. austral summer) (207.8 113.2 km.day-1) than pre-breeding winter/spring) migrations (143.8 32.2 km.day-1). Although most marked displayed similar those that bred following migrations, only two confirmed as breeders year after being tagged. This suggests may sometimes take sabbatical reproduction, although this requires confirmation. tagged died on season. frequently returned same often up 3 different locations average about 200 km apart. On hand, there was wide variation subsequent reproductive events. We discuss implications our study more broadly bird