Biologists from the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE) and the Biodiversity International are in Costa Rica’s mountains studying bird migration to find out what brings birds to specific farms during their journey.
Scientists have been studying farms located in Turrialba, Costa Rica for more than 4 years now, and are monitoring floral species and trees in order to make a connection between these farms and forest.
During this time, investigators have installed six monitor stations in of these lands to examine birds behavior. Some of the farms hold coffee, sugar cane and cocoa plantations.
Investigators are trying to protect birds on their journey while transiting between farms and the forest. Birds do not stay in one place, therefore these biologic corridors and hundreds of species rely on this transitory land to make it to their final destination.
The initiative of scientists with this project is to find out which bird species, both residents and migratory go through the different plantations, in order to plan strategic improvements to connect farm land with forest tree species.
Three times a week, investigators place nets to catch birds, they’re studied and then released, analyzing birds will provide accurate information about their behavior and needs.
“We want to know how to handle farm land’s conservation and connectivity for birds”, said Fabrice Declerck, leader of the project.
Scientists encourage farmers to plant specific trees such as cacaotales and poró to help both plantations and bird transition through forests. Most important areas, are those plantation farms next to National Parks and natural reserves.
National Park Carara, located in the Central Pacific, and border of Costa Developers project, Costa Montaña, is one of the most important natural reserves for bird watching, attracting tourists and investigators frequently.
As well, Declerk said plantations shouldn’t be affected by changes in land or landscape, in fact farmers will benefit from some bird species which work as pest controllers and promoting animal conservation can lead to an important environment preservation recognition.
Data collected in this study is also used on an international project about bird migration monitoring, in which the United States and Central America are involved. Costa Rica is world known for ecological diversity conservation. The country holds 5% of world’s total biodiversity,
There is a significant interest in preserving bird species that come all the way from the United States to coffee plantations in Costa Rica, environment conservation is an international matter, emphasized Declerk.
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