Researchers in Kentucky have a new tool to aid in their ongoing efforts to track and conserve wildlife. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, in collaboration with key partners, has installed three Motus Wildlife Tracking System stations in the state since January 2023.
The Motus system, an international network of researchers, uses automated radio telemetry to track various species of birds, bats, and insects. With nearly 1,800 receiver stations set up in 34 countries, Motus is able to listen for signals from over 44,000 tagged animals.
These stations have been installed at strategic locations, with support from the Louisville Zoo and Murray State University. The stations are located at the Hancock Biological Station in western Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University’s Taylor Fork Property, and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in central Kentucky. These specialized radio receivers automatically scan for, decode, and save data on individual birds using unique tags attached to them, allowing for greater scanning distances up to 10 miles in the direction each antenna is pointing.
This Technology has already proven valuable, as it allows agency biologists to track tagged birds flying in and through Kentucky, contributing data to local research projects and the broader research efforts of independent researchers across the Western Hemisphere. It also provides an important tool for learning more about the movements of endangered species, such as the Eastern Whip-poor-will, in Kentucky.
The Motus towers have already made significant contributions, with the Hancock Biological Station detecting its first tagged bird, an Eastern Whip-poor-will, during its fall migration. This species is one of Kentucky’s species of greatest conservation need, and this technology will help in the conservation efforts for imperiled wildlife. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is looking to expand the number of stations throughout the state to enhance their tracking capabilities for both local and international research.
The department encourages individuals to support research and conservation efforts aimed at Kentucky’s bird populations by joining Kentucky Wild, a membership-based program that directly supports vulnerable wildlife in the state. For more information about birds in Kentucky and ongoing international research efforts, visit the agency’s website or the Birdscanada.org/motus and motus.org websites.
This initiative builds upon Kentucky’s rich history of conservation and environmental stewardship, with a focus on leveraging technology to further understand and protect the state’s diverse wildlife. The Motus Wildlife Tracking System represents a significant advancement in wildlife conservation, and the collaborative efforts of researchers and partners demonstrate a commitment to preserving Kentucky’s natural heritage for future generations.
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