Groundbreaking Technology Awarded to Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia

The Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia (ACCA) located in Cheat Lake is pleased to announce its success in being chosen to receive state-of-the-art tracking equipment that will significantly enhance its research capabilities and foster collaboration with avian researchers worldwide.

This esteemed accolade takes the form of a SensorStation for the Motus Wildlife Tracking System, a triumph that the ACCA achieved through a rigorous international competition sponsored by Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT).

The Motus system employs radio telemetry technology to meticulously trace the locations and movements of animals equipped with a specialized transmitter. This will empower the ACCA to amass valuable data on the movements, breeding rates, and habitat preferences of the birds under their care.

Evan McWreath, the Director of Conservation Research at ACCA, expounded that their project proposal outlining the preservation of the region’s wild birds through research, education, and rehabilitation captivated the attention of the CTT team and secured their triumph in the competition.

The ACCA intends to utilize the technology to monitor the movements of over 500 birds that they rehabilitate annually, gaining deeper insight into their behavior and impact on the local bird population post-release.

While the primary focus will be on raptors, the lightweight and adaptable transmitters could potentially be deployed on a diverse range of bird species, encompassing bumblebees to songbirds.

In addition to advancing their research endeavours, the ACCA perceives the new tracking system as an invaluable tool for engaging with the local community and inspiring future generations to become involved in wildlife conservation.

The data gathered will not only bolster the ACCA’s community-driven research and education initiatives, but also furnish a platform for disseminating updates to individuals who have brought injured birds to the facility for care, fortifying the bond between the organization and the community.

The installation of the SensorStation at the outdoor classroom on Morgan Hill Road this spring will signify a significant milestone for the ACCA, thanks to the generosity and support of Cellular Tracking Technologies.

Undoubtedly, this pioneering technology will propel the ACCA’s conservation efforts to new heights, empowering them to make a profound impact on avian research and environmental conservation, both locally and globally.