Efforts are underway to set up a Motus Wildlife Tracking Tower at the Laurentian Escarpment Conservation Area.

Both the Nipissing Naturalists and the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority are working together in an effort to close a substantial coverage gap when it comes to wildlife tracking.

Officials say it’s all a part of an international wildlife tracking effort.

They point out there are hundreds of towers, passively receiving tracking information from tagged animals, including birds, bats, and even butterflies, but there are still some substantial gaps in coverage, including here in North Bay.

The two groups say our area sees a lot of activity through the spring and fall migration seasons.

“Over the past few decades, we’ve seen troubling declines in many species, including shorebirds and aerial insectivores, such as swallows and flycatchers. The Motus wildlife tracking network helps us better understand migration patterns and population health for species who live here year round, and those who travel through,” said Fred Pinto, President of Nipissing Naturalists.

The two groups are raising funds to cover the cost of the equipment, including a SensorGnome, antennae, connectors and cables, along with the cost of a tower or pole and installation will cost $10,000.

The Conservation Authority has set up a fund for the “MOTUS Wildlife Tracking Tower”. Donations can be dropped off at NBMCA or online through CanadaHelps.org

For more information on the project, and a link to NBMCA’s online donation page for the Motus Wildlife Tracking Tower, visit https://www.nipnats.com/motus-tower-project/