New technology for the White-breasted Thrasher, a conclusive test

The first action of the programme looked to try to use new technologies to test the methods of identification and "localisation" of the species’ habitats already noted. This method was to be used to refine our knowledge of the requirements of the White-breasted Thrasher so the different sites it uses on the Caravelle peninsular can be protected and other sites favourable to their reintroduction located.

Bioacoustic Recording

On one hand, the work of SIG and the teledetection of Cheula et al. (2011) has focused on something that is indispensible to the species’ survival : how it finds its food. On the other, the work of the independent expert, J. Priam, and the laboratory of LAMIA (University of Antilles-French Guiana), has sought to devise a method that would find correlations between the species’ presence and the spread of physical features in its environment, to determine as precisely as possible the habitat features that the species requires. To achieve this, « SongMeter » as well as« Eko recorder » bioacoustic recorders were used.

The Caravelle Peninsular

This first stage of the project has also enabled us to reflect further on and to refine a precise plan of action for 2012 and 2013. The following are included in the programme: searching for White-breasted Thrasher nests on the whole of the peninsular, deploying bio-acoustic recorders to confirm and fill in our understanding of the areas of contact, recording the biological and physical features of the habitat, and studying the impact of predation on the species (trapping of predators).

Christelle BERANGER
Regional Coordinator
Life+ CAP DOM