Satellite tracking and video monitoring
Satellite tracking is among the most state-of-the-art methods for conservation of endangered species of birds such as the Imperial Eagle, the Egyptian Vulture and the Red-breasted Goose. By tagging the birds with specially designed transmitters with GPS we can learn more about the biology of these species, their movement in the area, their seasonal migration and the important sites and habitats for them in and outside the country.
The greatest achievement of satellite tracking is the identification of the threats for these species as well as the causes for early, unnatural death. In 2009 the largest satellite tracking programme for Imperial Eagles was launched by the BSPB; the programme revealed that the main cause of death for juvenile Imperial Eagles is electrocution on perching on certain types of electricity network poles. Up to the present moment a total of 25 juvenile Imperial Eagles have been tagged with satellite transmitters; in 80% of the confirmed cases of dead birds the cause of death was electrocution. Thus satellite tracking brought forth evidence for a new threat for the species. As a result the BSPB launched an initiative for the insulation of the poles that pose the greatest risk for the birds in partnership with EVN Electricity Provider Company.