Purpose of the Session

This roundtable discussion will bring together leaders, researchers, and conservation practitioners working with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System across the Caribbean and beyond, including members of the Caribbean Motus Collaboration and independent Motus projects, to discuss the current status and future of wildlife tracking in the region. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, ask questions, explore collaboration opportunities, and discuss priorities for expanding and strengthening the Caribbean Motus network.

Background and Rationale

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System has transformed the study of animal movement through collaborative automated radio telemetry, providing unprecedented insights into migration, dispersal, habitat use, and behavior. Since the launch of the Caribbean Motus Collaboration, the region has experienced rapid growth in receiver station infrastructure, training opportunities, and collaborative research projects focused on migratory and resident bird species.

The Caribbean Motus Collaboration, along with other Motus initiatives in the region, has helped connect partners across islands and institutions, fostering regional cooperation in wildlife tracking, research, and conservation. As the network continues to expand, there is growing interest in strengthening collaboration among partners, supporting new stations and tracking projects, improving data management and analysis capacity, and addressing technical and logistical challenges associated with maintaining a regional tracking network.

This roundtable is intended as a follow-up to the pre-conference Motus workshop and related conference presentations, providing a more open and interactive forum for discussion, troubleshooting, networking, and collaborative planning among current and prospective Caribbean Motus partners.

Session Objectives

• Provide updates on the Caribbean Motus Collaboration and other Motus initiatives across the region
• Facilitate open discussion and question-and-answer opportunities related to Motus implementation and management
• Explore priorities for future network growth, collaboration, and capacity building
• Share experiences and lessons learned related to receiver stations, tagging projects, data management, and analysis
• Foster new partnerships and support for Motus stations and tracking projects across the Caribbean

Session Structure and Format

The session will begin with brief introductions and short updates from panelists representing a diversity of Motus projects, partner organizations, and wildlife tracking initiatives from across the Caribbean. Topics may include station development and maintenance, tagging efforts, collaborative research goals, data management, troubleshooting, and emerging applications of the Motus system.

The majority of the session will be dedicated to open discussion and audience participation. Participants will be encouraged to share their experiences, ask questions, discuss challenges and opportunities, and explore ideas for future collaboration and regional coordination.

The session will conclude with a discussion of priorities and next steps for continued growth, coordination, and sustainability of wildlife tracking efforts and the broader Motus network across the Caribbean.