On 7 February 2025, a one-day exchange brought together more than 30 migratory bird specialists at the Tour du Valat. The aim was to learn more about their respective work and strengthen ties within research.
Promoting knowledge sharing within research
Many people work on bird migration, often independently, in various laboratories, organisations and teams in Montpellier and the Camargue (CEFE/CNRS, Tour du Valat, OFB). Despite sharing data, methods and issues, it has been observed that exchanges are often limited, whether between institutions or even between teams within the same organisation.
In order to remedy this, a meeting was organised at the Tour du Valat on 7 February 2025. With more than 30 participants and 9 presentations, this day helped to improve knowledge of each other’s work and strengthen the links between those working on migratory birds.
A range of techniques for a variety of needs
The presentations during the day showed that, within this group, the study of migratory birds is mainly based on telemetry, in particular the use of GPS beacons. This tool is used to improve knowledge of wintering areas, migratory corridors, the migratory strategies of certain species, such as the Yellow-legged Gull and the Greater Flamingo, as well as the exposure of birds to various anthropogenic threats.
In addition to this, other methods were presented as part of the studies: ringing, isotopic analyses and radar studies. Integrating these data improves understanding of migratory dynamics, as demonstrated in the Migralion project, as well as health monitoring. Demographic monitoring by ringing was also presented for the collared pratincole and the yellow-legged gull. Finally, the Habitrack project combines demographic data and connectivity.
So what’s next?
The presentations on migratory birds highlighted the diversity of the species and the areas concerned, as well as the international dimension of this subject, raising major issues for their conservation. Migratory birds connect different countries, regions and individuals – such as those present during this day of exchanges, which underlines the importance of a collaborative approach to their preservation. With this in mind, a next edition is already planned for 2026
