Satellite transmitters did not hinder Houbara breeding productivity

What is it about?

By comparing reporductive performance between adult female Houbara bustards with and without satellite transmitters, we show there was no detrimental effect of carrying these devices on either: first nesting date (after migratory return to the breeding grounds), clutch size, egg weight, nest success, or chick survival to fledging (for broods where the mother carried a transmitter).

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Why is it important?

Satellite transmitters can allow conservation biologists to collect important demographic information (e.g. on survival rates, nesting success, migratory behaivour and performance) - but it is crucially important to understand whether these transmitters alter behaviour or performance of the birds. Any impacts would raise serious ethical concerns, as well as undermine the reliability of any data collected. Here, we show that transmitters had neglible effects, so that demographic breeding parameters are reliable.

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