2018 Annual Meeting of the Raptor Research Foundation
 

2018 RRF Conference Workshops
12 November 2018

1. Morning session (08:00-13:00)

1.1. Workshop: Global review of raptor trapping, banding, tagging and tracking

Workshop Description: The trapping, banding, tagging and tracking of raptors as research methods currently form part of many projects across the globe. There are however growing concerns with regard to the possible impact of these practices on the birds, especially with regard to the lack of guidance and standards and the often inadequate legal and ethical frameworks within which these practices are applied. This workshop aims to review current practices and systems in this regard and to make recommendations towards the implementation of appropriate measures to ensure that any negative impact on study species are minimized. We also aim to make recommendations on the implementation of appropriate measures to ensure that practitioners receive appropriate training and assessment.

Facilitators: Munir Virani, The Peregrine Fund; José Tavares Vulture Conservation Foundation

Time: 08:00-13:00
Class size: 120 max

Cost: Complimentary, but prior registration is essential


1.2. Emergency First Aid Treatment of Raptors. Saving Raptors, One Bird at a time.

Course Description: This short course will give students a practical guide on the emergency handling, management and stabilizing of raptors. The course is aimed at the initial management of poisoned, birds, collision and trauma injuries, emaciation, and downed birds, prior to seeking veterinary assistance. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to restrain, crop tube, administer fluids, stabilize fractures and other injuries, and prepare the bird for transport to a qualified facility. Class will be taught at the conference facility, and raptor cadavers will be supplied for practical demonstrations.

Instructor: Ben Hoffman Raptor Rescue

Time: 08:00-12:00
Class size: 50 max

Cost: ZAR720 for professionals (non-African), ZAR360 for African Professionals; ZAR240 for non-African students, ZAR120 for African students


1.3. African raptor field ID, molt and its use in ageing, and recent taxonomic changes in African raptors.

Course Description: This class will begin with introduction to identification (ID) of diurnal raptors, followed by two sessions on field ID of African raptors. The last session will focus on raptor remige molt and its use in ageing, with differences between Falconiformes and Accipitriformes molt presented, ending with a summary of recent changes in raptor taxonomy. Class will be taught at the conference venue. Suggested text: African Raptors, new raptor field guide by Clark and Davies.

Instructor: Bill Clark, Harlingen, TX, USA

Time: 08:00-12:00
Class size: 50 max

Cost: ZAR720 for professionals (non-African), ZAR360 for African Professionals; ZAR240 for non-African students, ZAR120 for African students

2. Afternoon Session (14:00-17:00)

2.1. Using Drones to Study Raptors

Course Description: This class is intended to bring participants up to date on the application of drone technology to studying and conserving raptors. While raptors will be the main species discussed, we will also include how drones are being used for other bird species around the world with the idea of applying such technology to birds of prey. Topics will include counting eggs and nestlings in nests, detecting and tracking raptors, mapping habitat and its use by raptors, and avoiding unwanted raptor strikes. There will also be emphasis on how regulations are affecting the use of such technology in a number of countries. It is not legal to undertake drone flight demonstrations in Kruger National Park, so this workshop will largely consist of PowerPoint discussions with plenty of time for questions and answers as well as input from the audience. Class will be taught at the conference venue.

Instructors: David M. Bird, Emeritus Professor, McGill University; Lourens Leeuwner and Mattheuns Pretorius, Endangered Wildlife Trust – Wildlife & Energy Programme

Time: 14:00-17:00
Class size: 25 max

Cost: ZAR720 for professionals (non-African), ZAR360 for African Professionals; ZAR240 for non-African students, ZAR120 for African students


2.2. Techniques for Handling, Marking, and Blood Sampling Raptors after Capture: A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush.

Course Description: This course will provide students with experience in proper techniques for raptor handling and blood sampling, with specific emphasize on how to reduce stress and risk for injuries. Instruction in auxiliary marking will focus on applying two kinds of patagial tags, one for smaller raptors such as the Amur Falcon and another for larger, soaring raptors. Use of leg rings, inks or dyes and feather imping as markers for identification will also be covered. The blood sampling part will introduce different invasive (tarsal and brachial vein, spot sample from a toe) and non-invasive techniques such as the use of blood-sucking bugs and will also focus on appropriate storage media. Class will be taught at the conference venue.

Instructors: Dan Varland, Coastal Raptors, U.S.A., John Smallwood, Montclair State University, U.S.A. and Petra Sumasgutner, FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Time: 14:00-17:00
Class size: 25 max

Cost: ZAR720 for professionals (non-African), ZAR360 for African Professionals; ZAR240 for non-African students, ZAR120 for African students


2.3. Harnessing Raptors with Transmitters

Course Description: This class will cover the process of attaching a transmitter (either VHF or satellite) to raptors, from initial thoughts of the bird’s welfare to specifics of making harnesses and attaching them to birds. The majority of the class will be hands-on, involving creation of a backpack-style harness and using that harness to attach a transmitter to carcasses of different sized raptors. As time allows, we may discuss other attachment techniques (e.g., tailmount, patagial) as well as thoughts on data management. Class will be taught at the conference venue.

Instructors: Libby Mojica, EDM International, Inc.; Trish Miller, Conservation Science Global, Inc; Sonja Kruger, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife; and Andre Botha, Endangered Wildlife Trust

Time: 14:00-17:00
Class size: 25 max

Cost ZAR720 for professionals (non-African), ZAR360 for African Professionals; ZAR240 for non-African students, ZAR120 for African students


2.4. Raptor nest surveys: searching from the air and on foot for cliff, tree and ground

nests.

Course Description: This course will explain how set up raptor nest surveys and how to collect inventory data that you can later employ for informed and effective raptor conservation. It presents field techniques that you has to master in the so as to develop a ‘sixth sense’ for locating the birds and their nests. For tree and cliff nesters the course will address the numerous components that allow efficient and successful ground and aerial nest searches (helicopter and fixed wing), including neighbour nest mapping. Ground nest surveys will cover the various components of searching for harrier nest sites on foot.

Instructors: Gerard Malan, Tshwane University of Technology, South Africa

Time: 14:00-17:00
Class size: 25 max

Cost: ZAR720 for professionals (non-African), ZAR360 for African Professionals; ZAR240 for non-African students, ZAR120 for African students