Project: Creating and testing a methodological framework for the detection of the critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus) using Automated Recording Units.
Description: Our aim is to create a new detection method to survey the Jerdon’s courser (Rhinoptilus bitorquatus). The Jerdon’s courser is a critically endangered bird, endemic to erstwhile State of Andhra Pradesh, India (Birdlife International, 2019).
A lot has been done over the past few years since the rediscovery of the Jerdon’s Courser in 1986. The bird’s habitat has been extensively surveyed through tracking strip and camera trapping methods and the landscape has been mapped for land use change and the threats been comprehensively evaluated. However, despite these attempts, there has been no confirmed record of the Jerdon’s Courser since 2008. We propose using novel bioacoustic technology by employing Automated Recording Units (ARUs) to monitor the Jerdon’s Courser habitat. We will also determine Jerdon’s Courser detection distances using ARUs as well as gather habitat attenuation data. Using this information, we aim to create an efficient framework for future field research in detecting and conserving this bird. We propose to reach our goal through the following objectives.
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Study site: Sri Lankamalleswara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Fundings: Wildlife Conservation Trust – Small Grants Programme; IISER Tirupati.
Team:
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