Synergies between camera-trapping and tracking technologies using transmitters for the study of ecosystem services provided by birds

Abstract

Global change and the climate crisis stem from the insufficient integration of human activities within ecosystems. One effective approach to mitigating this impact is to incorporate biodiversity and its associated services into the management of anthropogenic ecosystems. To achieve this, it is essential to identify the species that provide key ecosystem services and understand the characteristics of these services. We examine how camera-trapping, in conjunction with monitoring techniques using transmitters, enables the characterization of specific functions and services offered by birds. We synthesize and integrate the research team's efforts employing these techniques and present novel findings concerning two critical services: the dispersal of large seeds and pest regulation. The three primary objectives are to analyze: (1) the effectiveness of camera-trapping combined with transmitter tracking techniques for identifying functional bird species and characterizing their services; (2) the impact of camera-trapping on the behavior of target bird species; and (3) the technical challenges and limitations associated with cameras. Our findings demonstrate that camera-trapping techniques are key for studying the ecosystem services provided by birds. These methods facilitate the characterization and quantification of fundamental aspects that are often difficult to obtain through alternative techniques. Furthermore, camera-trapping can be easily integrated with other methodologies, thereby generating synergies that enhance research outcomes. However, if appropriate precautions are not taken, technical malfunctions and behavioral interferences in target bird species may limit the scope of the research and adversely impact the species under study. The combined application of camera-trapping with transmitter tracking techniques represents a methodology with significant potential for advancing ecological knowledge.