Exciting news for nature lovers and conservationists! The Assiniboine Park Conservancy (APC) has recently installed a new Motus Wildlife Tracking System station on the roof of the Qualico Family Centre. This state-of-the-art technology positions APC as part of a global network dedicated to researching and educating the public on the ecology and conservation of migratory animals.

What is the Motus Wildlife Tracking System?

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System, a program run by Birds Canada, collaborates with over 2,500 partner organizations and researchers across 34 countries. By utilizing a network of antennae and automated radio telemetry, Motus tracks small radio transmitters attached to birds, bats, and larger insects like monarch butterflies. This innovative technology enables precise monitoring of migration patterns for some of the world’s smallest animals over vast distances.

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A Step Forward in Conservation

“We are very pleased to join the growing Motus network and contribute to the expanding body of knowledge regarding migratory wildlife. The data collected by the Motus system is incredibly valuable and helps inform science-based recommendations, decisions, and actions that support the conservation of wildlife and their habitats,” said Laura Burns, Conservation Program Manager at APC.

The installation of the Motus station, completed in mid-September, follows years of careful planning. It also helps strengthen APC’s involvement in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) North American Songbird SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) program, which the Assiniboine Park Zoo has been part of since 2019.

Tracking More than Just Waterfowl

One of the most significant advantages of the Motus network is its ability to monitor a wide variety of migratory birds, beyond the well-known waterfowl like geese and ducks. This includes songbirds, shorebirds, aerial insectivores, and grassland species that have faced severe population declines due to habitat loss and other human impacts. Burns noted, “Understanding this behavior is critical to creating effective conservation strategies for habitats and species at risk.”

While Motus stations are well established in North America, most are situated in densely populated areas, primarily along the East Coast. The new station in the central part of the continent will provide essential data for the Mississippi flyway, a crucial migration route stretching from the Arctic tundra and boreal forests to southern wintering grounds.

Benefits for Urban Biodiversity

The strategic location of the Motus antenna allows it to detect movements of tagged animals throughout the park and even into neighboring areas. While APC’s Conservation and Research team is not currently deploying any Motus tags, they may consider doing so in the future. This would further support the Motus network's goals and offer valuable insights into urban biodiversity.

“Understanding and protecting urban biodiversity is an essential part of our conservation strategy here at the Assiniboine Park Conservancy,” said Burns. “The addition of Motus tracking capacity continues our tradition of using technology and community science to learn about and protect the incredible biodiversity in Assiniboine Park.”

Ongoing Conservation Initiatives

In addition to the new Motus station, APC’s Conservation and Research team works with other APC departments, volunteers, and our community on several other initiatives that benefit wild birds including the installation and monitoring of permanent bird-friendly window mitigation to reduce collisions in the Park and Zoo, enhancement of naturalized bird habitat, creation of artificial nesting sites for species at risk such as chimney swifts and other aerial insectivores, participation in local conservation committees and community science projects, and public education and engagement activities.

As we embrace new technologies and collaborative efforts, we will continue to champion the importance of conserving migratory wildlife and fostering a deeper understanding of our environment. 

By the Numbers:

Since the start of the Motus program...

  • 34 countries have a Motus receiver station, with a total of 2,086 Motus receiver stations
  • 393 species and 49,540 animals have been tagged
  • To date, there have been 856 Motus projects recorded, with 2,590 partners and collaborators
  • There have 213 publications based on Motus data

Want to learn more about the program? Visit motus.org.

Learn more about what our Conservation and Research team are working on our website.