Research > Rainforest > Bird Monitoring

LIST OF PROJECTS

Bird monitoring at Inkaterra encourages the declaration of local reserves, with the involvement of local communities for the conservation of endemic species, as well as the securement of a safe migratory route for transitory birds.

  • Bird Banding Station

    Bird banding is Inkaterra Asociación’s main monitoring method. It is based in capturing specimens with mist nests and marking them with a ring around a leg, with an international codification to study avifauna’s ecological dynamics and population. Biometric data including size, weight and wingspan is measured and registered in special formats to be collected in databases.

    The project has four sampling areas at Amazon Field Station byInkaterra, where a banding mission takes place on a monthly basis. Additionally, Inkaterra Asociación organizes seasonal banding programs at the ITA-Tambopata Concession, the Gamitana Agroforestry Station and Valencia Station.

    The Ornithology and Biodiversity Center (CORBIDI) has trained Inkaterra Asociación members, as well as volunteering ornithologists, in species identification, banding techniques and handling during the evaluation process.

  • Point Counts

    Another avian ecology field method is based on point counts and area searches for each 150 meters in selected trails, allowing the identification of bird species through calls and/or morphology.

    Point count contribute to study bird diversity in the Amazon, including species that cannot be banded or those that inhabit the rainforest canopy–observed from the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway, hanging bridge system 100ft above the ground.

  • Additional methods

    The motion-sensitive camera trap system has allowed the identification of various bird species attracted to the inland clay lick. The Spix’s guan (Penelope jacquacu), the White-winged trumpeter (Psophia leocoptera), as well as various species of anteaters and Amazonian pigeons, are commonly spotted.

    Casual observation is also a source of information to inventories, due to continuous sightings by travelers and explorer guides.