The Pennsylvania Game Commission is embarking on an innovative project to gather data on ducks using GPS transmitters. These transmitters, resembling backpacks, are attached to ducks to track their movements, habitat use, and reproductive behavior.
Mercy Melo, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Environmental Education Specialist of the Northcentral Region, explains that the project involves equipping ducks with GPS transmitters across six regions. The data collected will not only benefit Pennsylvania but also neighboring states like New York, Delaware, and New Jersey.
The GPS transmitters provide valuable insights into various aspects of duck behavior, including migration patterns and nesting sites. By monitoring the ducks’ movements, the Game Commission can make informed decisions regarding wildlife management and habitat conservation.
In addition to GPS transmitters, the Game Commission continues its longstanding practice of banding ducks for data collection. Each band is recorded in a national database, enabling agencies to track individual ducks throughout their lives. When hunters harvest a banded duck, they can report the band number to contribute to ongoing research.
The process of equipping ducks with GPS transmitters involves careful trapping methods. One method utilizes cages with game cameras to capture and band ducks, while another method involves the use of a rocket net launcher. These techniques ensure minimal disruption to the ducks while providing essential data for research purposes.
Despite the additional time and effort required to attach the GPS transmitters, the Game Commission emphasizes the importance of this collaborative project. Data collected from ducks in Pennsylvania and beyond helps researchers understand broader trends in duck behavior and habitat quality.
Overall, the use of GPS transmitters represents a significant advancement in wildlife research and management. By harnessing technology to study duck behavior, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is better equipped to protect and conserve these vital species for future generations.