Scientists utilize GPS to track cranes
by
Amy West
Story Created:
Aug 20, 2010 at 9:38 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Aug 22, 2010 at 10:17 PM CDT
They are one of the world's most endangered species of birds and they come through South Central Nebraska twice a year. But where exactly do the Whooping cranes go on their migratory route?
That is what local scientists want to find out.
Researchers at the Crane Trust near Wood River use global positioning systems to track the cranes on their migration.
Since late in 2009 they have outfitted 11 cranes with a solar powered device and color coded bands.
The GPS sends information to scientists every 6 hours.
"For the entire year and up to about three years which the radios should last we'll know where the bird is and what it's doing continuously. That's quite unheard of really so it's quite exciting to have that," said researcher Felipe Chavez-Ramirez.
Chavez said 80 percent of crane deaths happen during migration and learning more about crane behavior will help researchers identify dangers, like power lines, along their path.
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