Rollers reveal new secrets

1 July 2021

A new dimension

This year, our research and conservation programme for the European roller has taken on a new dimension thanks to the use of new tools. We have been able to acquire 5 GPS tags weighing only 5g. They have been installed in the last few days on 5 rollers nesting near the Canal du Midi. Previously, we equipped the rollers with less precise tags.

Wind turbines and flight altitude in the Mediterranean

This is the first time, to our knowledge, that rollers have been equipped with such powerful tags. They allow us to know the precise location (GPS) of the rollers every hour. We are also collecting a lot of information that is still unknown for the species, such as their flight altitude and activity rhythms. We will be able to know at what altitude the rollers cross the Mediterranean Sea during their migration, which will help determine the impact of current offshore wind turbine deployment projects in the Gulf of Lion. We will also be able to find out how large their feeding area is and a lot of other information. There are many research possibilities.

First discoveries

The A Rocha team discovered in the very first days after the tags were placed that the rollers do not generally sleep next to their nests but sometimes several kilometres away! We will see in the coming days if this behaviour changes over time, especially with the growth of the newly hatched chicks. The team hopes to be able to make the best use of the information gathered in order to contribute more effectively to the conservation of this magnificent migrant.

Let’s wish our five rollers a safe flight!

Below, a roller is released after being fitted with a GPS tag

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