Earthspan successfully developed a methodology and study protocol for application of satellite-based tracking to Tundra Peregrine Falcons and Swainson’s Hawks using 30 and 20-gram transmitters. Earthspan has pioneered the application of space-based technology for the study of Neotropical migratory birds. Monitoring these birds assists us in identifying key migratory and Neotropical habitats to support a wide variety of avian species common to both North and South America. This information will enable conservationists to identify key migratory and wintering habitats and to monitor these areas for the conservation of avian biodiversity.  

Peregrine Falcon	Swainson's Hawk

    

Tundra Peregrine Falcon Migration Map

 

Swainson’s Hawk migration map

 

Earthspan’s joint Legacy/SERDP effort focused on the development, demonstration, promotion, and improvement of satellite tracking and remote monitoring systems for resource management and conservation on military lands. Legacy provided support for methodology and protocol development, field demonstrations, and actual applications of existing technologies. SERDP provided support for basic and exploratory research, as well as advanced development of new capabilities.

Earthspan successfully tracked and monitored via satellite Ferruginous and Swainson’s Hawks to assess potential effects from military activities. 

Legacy Program
Dugway Proving Ground

Earthspan successfully demonstrated simultaneous tracking of Golden Eagles and military vehicles as a method to study possible training effects on animal movements. Ferruginous Hawks and Swainson’s Hawks were also tracked via satellite to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating automated military tracking systems with natural resource management technology. 

Legacy Program 
Orchard Training Area, Idaho

Earthspan successfully tracked and monitored 5 adult Ferruginous Hawks with satellite PTTs. Conventional radio transmitters were also placed on 2 adult and 25 juvenile hawks. Very little is currently known about this species. The information provided by the PTTs and standard radio transmitters will be the first steps in understanding the movements of this raptor. 

Ferruginous Hawk with transmitter

Earthspan successfully tracked 17 American White Pelicans via satellite in the vicinity of NASF. Altitude information derived from miniature pressure transducers on the PTTs was gathered and used in a single dimension soaring model to predict pelican flight time, location, and altitude to help predict times of high flight in relation to military aircraft travel. 

White Pelican

Through support from the Department of Defense’s Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP), Earthspan has developed a GPS-qualified, platform transmitter terminal (PTT) and fabricated an acoustic sensor that will be small enough to be integrated into a PTT to perform a variety of functions. As a result, a new, more capable generation of satellite tracking and monitoring PTTs is now available for deployment. Advanced sensors in the new PTTs can include digital audio capture system and sensors to provide temperature, absolute vapor pressure and atmospheric pressure. A miniature video camera can be added, and other sensors are also possible. 

Developmental Acoustic Sensor
Measures 2"X2" and weighs < 15 grams 

Department of Defense Partners in Flight Program Email:DoD PIF Program Manager