
Satellite tracking, Argos, PTT, Turtle doves, Streptopelia turtur

Satellite tracking, Argos, PTT, Turtle doves, Streptopelia turtur

Satellite tracking, Argos, PTT, Turtle doves, Streptopelia turtur

Satellite tracking, Argos, PTT, Turtle doves, Streptopelia turtur
Tracking Turtle Doves with PIT Tags
Despite the contribution of geolocation, the exact location of stopover sites both during the autumnal and spring migration, as well as the habitat use on wintering and staging sites are fundamental questions that need to be solved for implementing a relevant conservation strategy for this declining species. The incoming since 2007 of 5g solar Argos satellite transmitters offers new opportunities to track Turtle Doves over their spectacular travel there and back between Europe and Africa.
During the 2013 breeding season, 3 adult Turtle Doves were captured in the south west of France (Poitou-Charentes region), within the Chizé forest, and fitted with these transmitters. These 3 birds are closely surveyed since then: satellite tags alternate 10 hours transmitting periods and 48 hours in “sleeping” mode during which batteries are charged thanks to the solar cells.
Bird 1: "Marcel"
Date of capture: 31 May 2013
Time of release (local): 07h:30
Ring number: GY120579 - Museum Paris
Balise number: 122820
Body mass: 173 g
Wing length: 182 mm
Location (WGS84 degrees):
- Lat: 46.1498 N
- Long: 0.4281 W
Bird 2: "Jacky"
Date of capture: 4 June 2013
Time of release (local): 09h25
Ring number: GY103803 - Museum Paris
Balise number: 122819
Body mass: 170 g
Wing length: 181 mm
Location (WGS84 degrees):
- Lat: 46.1014 N
- Long: 0.4094 W
Bird 3: "Jean-Marie"
Date of capture: 19 June 2013
Time of release (local): 17h02
Ring number: GY103827 - Museum Paris
Balise number: 122821
Body mass: 149 g
Wing length: 180 mm
Location (WGS84 degrees):
- Lat: 46.1084 N
- Long: 0.4447 W
