The project will be implemented through three interconnected Work Packages.
WP1: Radio-tracking
The aim of WP1 is to investigate landscape-scale movements, stopover duration and departure behavior of selected species of birds. To this aim, we will deploy encoded radio-transmitters on birds during both spring and autumn migration and analyze radio-tracking data.
WP2: Gene Expression
The aim of WP2 is to associate gene expression levels with the duration of migration stopovers and with different migration seasons including different life cycle stages. Genes associated with metabolism, physiology and behavior will be examined, and their expression levels will be measured by means of RT-qPCR.
WP3: Climate change & Conservation
The aim of WP3 is to model the migratory birds’ response to climate change scenarios. The association of climate variables with fuel deposition rates as well as the modeling of departure body mass according to the stopover duration and fuel deposition rates from our telemetry data can be used to calculate future flight range, stopover duration and the possible mismatch of important stopover sites in the Mediterranean.
WP4: Project Management
The aim of WP4 is to ensure the adequate, prompt, and precise project technical and financial reporting and the overall implementation of the project. Being aware that the regular technical and financial reporting is essential to ensure that all project objectives are achieved, and all activities are on schedule and within the overall project timeline.