Robot birds deployed in US national parks to boost endangered species

Scientists in US national parks have taken an innovative initiative to increase the population of endangered birds. Robot birds, made to look exactly like real birds using artificial feathers and various materials, are being used to attract species to new and safe habitats by mimicking dance-like movements and bird calls.

According to a report by British media outlet The Independent, if successful, this technology could play a significant role in wildlife conservation. A project is currently underway at Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, aimed at rehabilitating endangered birds.

These robotic decoys are made using real bird feathers, ordinary cloth and blankets, and even foam materials. The robots, built with the help of local students, have been playfully nicknamed 'Frankenbirds'.

The robot birds are programmed to mimic specific breeding season behaviours such as dancing, flapping wings and calling. Experts hope this will encourage endangered birds, including the sage grouse, to return to restored areas.

According to the report, the sage grouse population in the western United States has declined by about 80 per cent since 1965. In areas where 73 male birds were once seen, only three were spotted last year.

Habitat destruction, uncontrolled livestock grazing and human activity have been identified as the main causes of this decline. Efforts are underway to restore rangelands and natural environments in these areas.

However, challenges remain, particularly the Jackson Hole Airport located within the national park, which poses a risk to the birds. Park authorities are already creating new natural habitats in areas adjacent to the runway.

Researchers hope to assess the effectiveness of the project by observing the real birds' responses to the robot birds during the current breeding season. If successful, this robotic method could be used in other conservation projects in the future.