Migration Intensity Research Articles

ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ МОДЕЛЕЙ ТРАНСПОРТНО-ПЕРЕСАДОЧНЫХ УЗЛОВ В СИСТЕМЕ ГОРОДСКОГО ПАССАЖИРСКОГО ТРАНСПОРТА НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ Г. БЕЛГОРОДА

Today, the suburbs are growing and urbanizing, the level of motorization of the population is increasing, which entails an increase in traffic intensity and load on the city's road network. The organization of an intermodal transport system contributes to an increase in the level of comfort of the urban environment, reliability and safety in the integrated use of suburban and surface urban transport. The optimally chosen place for the formation of the transfer hub will improve the standard of living of the population of a large city and its suburbs. In this paper, intermodal transport hubs are considered. Depending on the category of transport hub, commuter rail and route transport, land-based urban passenger and individual transport, as well as passenger services with social infrastructure facilities located in the immediate vicinity of the transport hub interact. The analysis of normative, domestic and foreign scientific and technical literature on the features of the formation and functioning of TPU was carried out. The possibility of an integrated approach in organizing activities for the formation and development of transport hubs within the framework of the existing urban development has been studied. Methods for the design of transport interchange nodes and their models are considered. The existing TPU models are adapted to the context and resource potential of the territories of Belgorod with the highest intensity of labor and social migration of the population.It is proposed to form four transport hubs: 1) category 2 from the south direction (Dubovoe village) at the intersection of Shchorsa streets - Vatutina avenue; 2) TPU of the 1st category based on the railway and bus stop "Salyut Market"; 3) TPU of the 2nd category from the northern direction (Severny village) along the Belgorod bypass road; 4) TPU of the 1st category on the street. Vokzalnaya (station square).

International Migration and Development: The Changing Impact of Migration on Redistributing Global Population

This research note explores the impact of international migration on global population distribution since the 1990s. The impact of migration on population distribution is a function of both the intensity as well as the effectiveness of migration, that is the imbalance between flows and counter-flows. The presence of reciprocal flows is a well-recognized feature of international migration systems; however, this dimension has been difficult to capture at the global level due to a lack of origin-destination flow data. In this research note, we apply metrics developed for the analysis of internal migration to global migration flows to explore the impact of international migration on global population distribution over time, and across levels of human development. In the five years to 2020, international migration redistributed 0.39 percent of the world's population (28 million people) despite 1.38 percent (101 million) changing country of residence. This has declined from 0.56 percent of the global population in 1990–1995. This decline in impact is underpinned by a reduction in migration effectiveness, that is, the migration system is becoming more balanced over time. The impact of migration was greatest for flows between countries at Very High levels of human development, reflecting high migration intensity and exchanges between countries at Low and Very High levels of human development, reflecting significant asymmetry of flows. Our results suggest systematic shifts in both the level and pattern of flows across the development ladder, with flows becoming more intense and balanced with higher levels of human development.

FEATURES OF DETERMINATION OF MODERN GAS MIGRATION IN THE UPPER LAYERS OF THE LITHOSPHERE

The study of modern gas migration is a topical issue both to determine its impact on mineral deposits and the environmental impact of gases released into the Earth's atmosphere. The redistribution of gases in the lithosphere and their release to the surface correspond to geological processes that last for millions of years. Each geologic structure can have both more active periods and periods of relative dormancy. Discontinuous faults in the lithosphere are the paths of migration of gases (fluids). 
 The modern migration in different geological structures was determined on the basis of gas samples taken from the surface. The author's methodology is based on determining the gas state of the upper layers of the lithosphere and establishing individual compositions of gas mixtures from the selected samples. The development is based on geological, structural and geochemical studies to determine gas migration to the surface. The results can also be used to identify discontinuities and areas with anomalous gas content, which are mainly characteristic of oil and gas and coal deposits. 
 Based on the change in quantitative and qualitative gas indicators compared to the generally accepted data on the gas composition of the atmosphere, areas with the most abnormal gas indicators, in particular methane or its homologues, are identified, which allows us to identify areas with active modern gas migration. It is worth noting that gas indicators may differ at different times of the year. Such peculiarities are usually determined by the intensity of migration to the surface, which is characteristic of each structure, and not only by the change of season. 
 On the basis of studies of gas mixtures (methane, heavy hydrocarbons, hydrogen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and helium), the polygenetic composition of natural gas in the studied areas opened by mine workings at the surface and at depth is substantiated. This allows us to attribute them to mobile gas-geodynamic systems, in which intensive gas transfer processes are still taking place in the near-surface layers of the lithosphere.

Noise-induced switching in dynamics of oscillating populations coupled by migration.

The problem of identifying the sources of switching in the dynamics of nonlinear coupled systems and their mathematical prediction is considered. We study a metapopulation system formed by two oscillating subpopulations coupled by mutual migration. For this model, parametric zones of mono-, bi-, and tri-rhythmicity with the coexistence of regular and chaotic attractors are revealed. The effects of random perturbations in the migration intensity parameter are studied both by methods of statistical analysis of the results of direct numerical simulation and by using the analytical technique of stochastic sensitivity. Noise-induced transitions between anti- and in-phase synchronization modes, as well as between order and chaos, are being studied. Here, the role of transient chaotic attractors and their fractal basins is discussed.

Inbound arrivals: using weather surveillance radar to quantify the diurnal timing of spring trans‐Gulf bird migration

More than two billion birds migrate through the Gulf of Mexico each spring en route to breeding grounds in the USA and Canada. This region has a long history of complex natural and anthropogenic environments as the northern Gulf coast provides the first possible stopover habitats for migrants making nonstop trans‐Gulf crossings during spring migration. However, intense anthropogenic activity in the region, which is expanding rapidly at present, makes migrants vulnerable to a multitude of obstacles and increasingly fragments and alters these habitats. Understanding the timing of migrants' overwater arrivals has biological value for expanding our understanding of migration ecology relative to decision‐making for nonstop flights, and is imperative for advancing conservation of this critical region through the identification of key times in which to direct conservation actions (e.g. temporary halting of wind turbines, reduction of light pollution). We explored 10 years of weather surveillance radar data from five sites along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast to quantify the daily timing and intensity of arriving trans‐Gulf migrants. On a daily scale, we found that migrant intensity peaked an average of nine hours after local sunrise, occurring earliest at easternmost sites. On a seasonal level, the greatest number of arrivals occurred between late April and early May, with peak intensity occurring latest at westernmost sites. Overall intensity of migration across all 10 years of data was greatest at the westernmost sites and decreased moving farther to the east. These findings emphasize the differential spatial and temporal patterns of use of the Gulf of Mexico region by migrating birds, information that is essential for improving our understanding of the ecology of trans‐Gulf migration and for supporting data‐driven approaches to conservation actions for the migratory birds passing through this critical region.

Studying the effect of various surfactants on the possibility and intensity of fine migration during low-salinity water flooding in clay-rich sandstones

In the majority, sandstone reservoirs contain clay particles. When such reservoirs are exposed to low-salinity water, multi-ion exchange (MIE) and electrical double layer (EDL) expansion result in fine migration, which sweeps residual oil in the porous media while imposing damage and permeability reduction.This research investigates the effect of surfactants on the possibility and intensity of fine migration in clay-rich sandstones. First, the impact of these surfactants on the surface charge of quartz and clay particles was investigated. The results showed that both CTAB (CetylTrimethylAmmonium Bromide) and QS (Quillaja Saponin) lower the magnitude of fine particles' zeta potential from −40 mv to 2 and -18 mv, respectively, The zeta potential compensation weakens the repulsive forces. However, SDS (Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate), and TX (Triton X-100) do not change the magnitude of zeta potential. The surfactants were injected at a concentration of 10 g/L into sandpacks containing 5 wt% of kaolin. SDS and TX couldn't prevent fine migration, and sandpack permeability decreased from 65 md to about 8. CTAB completely prevented fine migration (permeability reduction from 66 to 62md). Meanwhile, QS reduced the intensity of fine migration and the permeability decreased to 30 md. Post-flushing diluted surfactant solutions showed that CTAB loses its ability to control fine migration and the magnitude of permeability drops to 8 md. However, QS still controlled the intensity of fine migration.CTAB, QS, SDS, and TX-100 adsorption on oil-aged sandstone rocks lower the contact angle from 1290 to 21.20, 69.50, 52.70, and 62.10, respectively. It should be noted that the aging time for this experiment was 14 days, which was conducted at 60 °C. contact angel studies illustrated that EDL compaction by surfactants can cause wettability alteration toward water wet conditions, through adsorption in the stern layer, which results in oil desorption. BET analysis showed that the kaolinite particles are mesoporous with weak interaction, which are covered by CTAB or QS adsorption. However, after lowering the surfactant concentration in the bulk fluid, CTAB is desorbed, resulting in the revival of pores. In contrast, desorption in QS dilution was negligible. The behavior difference is related to the adsorption mechanism. CTAB is absorbed on the particle surface based on cation exchange and QS due to hydrogen bonding. In QS, the hydrophilic part is adsorbed on the particles, and the hydrophobic part forms the external surface, which prevents water from reaching the hydrophilic part.

РАДИЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКИЙ МОНИТОРИНГ И ГЕОИНФОРМАЦИОННОЕ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ 137CS НА ЛАНДШАФТНОМ УРОВНЕ В БРЯНСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The results of the landscape-radioecological monitoring and geoinformation modeling of the distribution of 137Cs in the Predpolesie landscapes (Vyshkov and Dubrovka sites), as well as in the Opolies (wide woodless plains) landscapes (Brakhlov and Kostitsa sites) in the Bryansk oblast are presented. The data on the radiation survey of arable lands in the Bryansk oblast carried out in 2017 at four test sites with different densities of 137Cs contamination are given. Based on the monitoring results, a data bank of the vertical distribution of 137Cs in the agrocenoses soils has been formed. The structure of the large-scale radioecological geoinformation system (RadGIS) comprises a digital terrain model based on the radar survey of the Earth topography from the SRTM shuttle. The second information layer contains the results of the aerial gamma (AG) survey performed in 1993 with a resolution of 100 m. A comparative analysis of the 2017 ground testing data with the results of the 1993 AG survey has allowed for assessment of the 137Cs radioactive contamination field transformation in various landscapes at four test sites. To assess the intensity of 137Cs lateral migration at the test sites, geoinformation modeling has been performed with the detection of surface flow streamlines.

Atmospheric pressure predicts probability of departure for migratory songbirds

BackgroundWeather can have both delayed and immediate impacts on animal populations, and species have evolved behavioral adaptions to respond to weather conditions. Weather has long been hypothesized to affect the timing and intensity of avian migration, and radar studies have demonstrated strong correlations between weather and broad-scale migration patterns. How weather affects individual decisions about the initiation of migratory flights, particularly at the beginning of migration, remains uncertain.MethodsHere, we combine automated radio telemetry data from four species of songbirds collected at five breeding and wintering sites in North America with hourly weather data from a global weather model. We use these data to determine how wind profit, atmospheric pressure, precipitation, and cloud cover affect probability of departure from breeding and wintering sites.ResultsWe found that the probability of departure was related to changes in atmospheric pressure, almost completely regardless of species, season, or location. Individuals were more likely to depart on nights when atmospheric pressure had been rising over the past 24 h, which is predictive of fair weather over the next several days. By contrast, wind profit, precipitation, and cloud cover were each only informative predictors of departure probability in a single species.ConclusionsOur results suggest that individual birds actively use weather information to inform decision-making regarding the initiation of departure from the breeding and wintering grounds. We propose that birds likely choose which date to depart on migration in a hierarchical fashion with weather not influencing decision-making until after the departure window has already been narrowed down by other ultimate and proximate factors.

Modern Realities of Foreign Educational Migration

The study analyzed educational migration in Russia. Migration is considered from the standpoint of an integrated indicator that reflects complex socio-economic processes in society. The factors of territorial mobility of the population are listed. Under their influence, the directions, dynamics, intensity and consequences of migration for donor and recipient countries change. The place and role of educational migration in the modern world are shown. The study examined the structure and dynamics of the number of foreign students studying in the universities of the Russian Federation. The directions of tough competitive struggle of national educational models in the international market of educational services and rating indicators for evaluating the activities of universities are analyzed. It is noted that the West conducts unfair competition in relation to Russian universities and the entire education system, which manifests itself in sanctions pressure, the exclusion of Russia from the Bologna process, the refusal to nostrify educational documents, etc. It is emphasized that external educational migration to a certain extent can be considered as a form of brain drain. The largest recipient countries of foreign students are indicated, which include the USA, Great Britain, China, Canada, Australia, and France.

An institutional framework for the socio‐economic reintegration of return migrants: A Kerala experience

This paper discusses the socio‐economic conditions of the return emigrants to Kerala, the highest migration intensity state of India. On close perusal, it is learnt that although concrete steps are being taken by the State for the reabsorption of returnees in the labour market with the help of NORKA, an exclusive department to cater to the demands of return migrants, the State has miles to go in view of the remittances it receives and exodus of migrants on return with their accumulated capital and exceptional work experience for a permanent settlement in their home land.

The Role of NF-κB in Endometrial Diseases in Humans and Animals: A Review.

The expression of genes of various proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines is controlled, among others, by the signaling pathway of the nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) superfamily of proteins, providing an impact on immune system functioning. The present review addresses the influence and role of the NF-κB pathway in the development and progression of most vital endometrial diseases in human and animal species. Immune modulation by NF-κB in endometritis, endometrosis, endometriosis, and carcinoma results in changes in cell migration, proliferation, and inflammation intensity in both the stroma and epithelium. In endometrial cells, the NF-κB signaling pathway may be activated by multiple stimuli, such as bacterial parts, cytokines, or hormones binding to specific receptors. The dysregulation of the immune system in response to NF-κB involves aberrant production of chemokines and cytokines, which plays a role in endometritis, endometriosis, endometrosis, and endometrial carcinoma. However, estrogen and progesterone influence on the reproductive tract always plays a major role in its regulation. Thus, sex hormones cannot be overlooked in endometrial disease physiopathology. While immune system dysregulation seems to be NF-κB-dependent, the hormone-independent and hormone-dependent regulation of NF-κB signaling in the endometrium should be considered in future studies. Future goals in this research should be a step up into clinical trials with compounds affecting NF-κB as treatment for endometrial diseases.

Genetic Divergence and Connectivity among Gene Pools of Polyprion americanus.

Three regional gene pools of Polyprion americanus have been described so far, i.e., the North Atlantic, the Southwest Atlantic, and the Indo-Pacific Ocean. However, there is taxonomic uncertainty about the Southeast Atlantic population and there is suspicion on the existence of a third species of Polyprion in that area. Additionally, prior studies have shown a lack of genetic structuring in the Atlantic North. Nonetheless, a more conspicuous characterization of intensity, periodicity, and direction of migration are needed to properly understand the wreckfish connectivity pattern in the North Atlantic population. This study addresses the interspecific concerns highlighted above as well as the intrapopulation structure of P. americanus from the Atlantic North, using the mitochondrial DNA Cytochrome Oxidase I gene and nuclear DNA microsatellite markers on a comprehensive sampling effort. The highly divergent gene pool from South Africa was characterized by the specific Mitochondrial DNA PamCOI.Saf haplotype. Its molecular composition and phylogenetic status were conspicuously intermediate between P. americanus and P. oxygeneios, which suggests its putative hybrid origin between those species. Microsatellite variation exhibited a high differentiation (24%) among four putative Polyprion spp. gene pools which contrasts with the large genetic homogeneity within the Atlantic North stock (FSC = 0.002). The significant migration rates inferred upon Bayesian algorithms suggest a longitudinal bi-directional connectivity pattern which strengthens the migratory hypothesis previously suggested on demographic data in the Atlantic North gene pool.

Vertical migration of nutrients and water-soluble organic matter in the soil profile under pre-sowing seed treatment with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria

Studies conducted in a stationary lysimeter experiment in the conditions of the washing water regime have shown that the use of PGPR for pre-sowing seed inoculation of agricultural crops reduces vertical migration of biogenic nutrients and water-soluble organic matter down the soil profile. The effect of seed inoculation with PGPR on the reduction of nutrient losses was not specific to the type of rhizobacteria and was similar for crops grown on different mineral fertilizers backgrounds (spring barley and winter rye seeds were inoculated with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria—Azospirillum brasilense 410 and A. brasilense 18-2, respectively, while maize seeds were inoculated with the phosphate-mobilizing Paenibacillus polymyxa KB). Seed inoculation has decreased nitrogen leaching down the soil profile by 4–9 kg/ha, phosphorus compounds—by 0.5–3.0 kg/ha, potassium—by 0.6–3.0 kg/ha, calcium—by 6–42 kg/ha, magnesium—by 3.0–6.0 kg/ha, water-soluble organic matter—by 0.8–8.0 kg/ha, subject to crop and norms of mineral fertilizers. Maize seeds inoculated with phosphorous-mobilizing P. polymyxa KB under crop cultivation on the cattle manure background did not affect the intensity of nutrient migration. On the other hand, the combination of green manure (narrow-leaved lupine as an intermediate crop) with pre-sowing seed inoculation had significantly reduced nutrient losses beyond the root zone soil layer. It is concluded that the use of PGPR in crop production on mineral and green manure backgrounds contributes to the preservation of soil fertility by limiting biogenic nutrients and water-soluble organic matter leaching with the water drainage down the soil profile. Pre-sowing seed inoculation had no significant effect on the vertical migration of nutrients in the soil on the background of cattle manure, due to the highly competitive environment created with the introduction of microorganisms from organic fertilizer, preventing the establishment of close interactions between PGPR and plants.

Influence of the built environment on residents’ migration intensity from the life cycle perspective：Based on multi-source data of Wuhan City

Influence of the built environment on residents’ migration intensity from the life cycle perspective：Based on multi-source data of Wuhan City

FORECASTING MIGRATION MOVEMENTS IN UKRAINE

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to provide a well-founded analysis and forecasts of future migration events that can significantly affect the further development of Ukraine. Methodology of research. The following methods were used in the research process: analysis and synthesis – to study the object and subject of research; abstract and logical (theoretical generalizations and formulation of conclusions); modeling of the dynamics of time series of external migration of the population of Ukraine. Findings. During the assessment of the migration situation, it was established that it significantly affects the demographic level of the population, especially after February 24, 2022, when an active exodus of the population was observed. According to the UN, as of August 2023, 6.2 million refugees have already left Ukraine. However, according to information from the State Border Guard Service, the number of people who fled the war in Ukraine is 3.2-3.5 million, and there is a threat of a further increase in this number. By building models of future migration events, a projected migration balance was obtained, which shows an increase in the number of people leaving Ukraine. Thus, Ukraine is facing significant demographic losses, which complicates its economic existence and post-war recovery processes. The success of refugee return in the medium and long term depends to a large extent on the end of the armed conflict and the improvement of the social and economic component of society. Ensuring the conditions for the return of Ukrainians from abroad largely depends on effective systemic measures of state regulation. Originality. Peculiarities of migration processes have acquired further development. Mathematical toolkit made it possible to investigate and establish the intensity of population migration, which is caused not only by economic factors, but also by unforeseen circumstances. Practical value. The practical significance of this research work is that Ukraine is facing significant demographic losses, and the results of the study can be used to analyze and predict future migration events. Key words: population migration, migration factors, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), Russian-Ukrainian war, time series, forecasting.

ВИМУШЕНА МІГРАЦІЯ УКРАЇНЦІВ В НАСЛІДОК ЗБРОЙНОЇ АГРЕСІЇ РОСІЙСЬКОЇ ФЕДЕРАЦІЇ ПРОТИ УКРАЇНИ: ДЕМОГРАФІЧНІ НАСЛІДКИ

The article analyzes the forced migration of Ukrainians as a result of the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, with a focus on the main demographic consequences. It is determined that the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, dramatically changing the way Ukrainian society, European countries and the whole world function. It is noted that these processes have not ignored the sphere of international migration: instead of going abroad to work or study, which has long been the most common form of migration of Ukrainians to other countries, forced migration has become a determining factor in the current situation. It is noted that a large number of Ukrainians have crossed the border in search of a safe environment (3.6 million people left Ukraine during the first month of the full-scale war). It is proved that the massive nature of the forced migration of the Ukrainian population has led to a number of significant problems in the country: increased unemployment and social tension, a decline in the welfare of the population, and an increasing split in society. The author analyzes the main conditions for the return of Ukrainians, the consequences of migration for the future of the country, the demographic structure of migrants and the factors that will affect the intensity and directions of further migration of the Ukrainian population abroad, including the expansion or narrowing of the area of hostilities; progress in the de-occupation of temporarily occupied territories; resilience of local critical infrastructure; direct shelling of settlements by Russian troops; the emergence of man-made or natural crises; the level of socio-economic development. The methods of preventing problems at the stage of post-war reconstruction in the context of the current migration crisis based on its comprehensive analysis are determined. Keywords: forced migration, refugee, population of Ukraine, demographic consequences.

The study of labor pendulum migration using big data processing technologies and the capabilities of the VKontakte social network

Official statistical data do not allow estimating the magnitude of labor pendulum migration in the context of regions and municipalities on a regular basis. The purpose of this research was to study the possibility of using open data of the VKontakte social network to identify and analyze labor pendulum migration on the example of Ekaterinburg and 12 satellite cities. Depersonalized information of users of the VKontakte social network and Rosstat data acted as empirical data. The research established a connection between the distance from the city of residence to Ekaterinburg and the proportion of citizens-users of the VKontakte network included in the process of pendulum labor migration. The analysis of incoming and outgoing flows of labor pendulum migration showed that despite significant differentiation by cities, in all cities the outgoing flow of labor migrants to Ekaterinburg exceeded the incoming one. The results of the research can be used in the analysis of the features, intensity and directions of pendulum migration for their consideration in the elaboration of strategic documents in the field of spatial development of territories. Further research by the authors will be aimed at improving the methodology for studying migration processes that occur between cities of millions and satellite cities, in order to identify agglomeration effects using big data technologies.

СЕЛЬСКО-ГОРОДСКАЯ МИГРАЦИЯ НАСЕЛЕНИЯ УРАЛА ПО ДАННЫМ ВСЕСОЮЗНОЙ ПЕРЕПИСИ 1970 г.

In Russia, migration processes have always played a huge political and socio-economic role. The 20th century passed for the country under the sign of industrialization and urbanization, which, on the one hand, determined the strategic direction of modernization, and on the other hand, acted as the main coordinates that determined the movement of the population. It is common knowledge that migration from rural to urban areas was the main migration trend of modern Russian history, reflecting the accelerated development of the country’s urbanization processes. The most important source of data on migration is population censuses, which allow supplementing and clarifying the materials of the current statistical observation. A special place among them is occupied by the 1970 All-Union population census as the first post-war census, which program included questions about migration. The article aims at identifying regional specifics of rural-urban migration of the Urals population based on the materials of the 1970 census — determining the size and ratio of the flows that made up this migration, as well as assessing the intermediate results of its impact on the dynamics of the region’s population composition by the beginning of the 1970s. It is shown that even in the most urbanized regions of the Urals, villagers arriving in urban settlements constituted about a third of the total migration flow, while 23 times more than the number of migrants heading in the opposite direction, from city to village. Almost the same difference characterized the differences between the relative indicators of the migration intensity of the urban and rural population of the region.

From distress migration to selective migration: Transformative effects of agricultural development on seasonal migration

Mostly for survival rather than wellbeing or profit, seasonal migration is a deeply entrenched but burdensome coping strategy among the rural poor who face seasonal livelihood insecurity, trapping many in a vicious cycle of chronic poverty and seasonal migration. Can rural agricultural development programs effectively transform these livelihoods and places of seasonal migration?Following a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 1,860 randomly sampled households in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka in India, we assess the potential of the Wadi program, which supports integrated farming systems, to boost the farmers’ agricultural productivity and to change their deeply entrenched but burdensome coping strategy of seasonal migration. When comparing participants of the program with non-participants, we find a significant reduction in the intensity and frequency of seasonal migration, as well as spillover effects – that is, not only the participants but also whole villages profit from an enhanced local economy. We further analyze the general challenges and migration pattern of seasonal migrants, including the factors that play a role in the decision to seasonally migrate. We find that it is crucial to change the reasons underlying seasonal migration in order to enable the development from distress to selective migration. This study’s results imply the benefits to be gained from scaling up the Wadi concept and provide evidence of its positive impacts as a contribution to the science–policy dialogue about development programs. [Display omitted]

Automated acoustic monitoring captures timing and intensity of bird migration

AbstractMonitoring small, mobile organisms is crucial for science and conservation, but is technically challenging. Migratory birds are prime examples, often undertaking nocturnal movements of thousands of kilometres over inaccessible and inhospitable geography. Acoustic technology could facilitate widespread monitoring of nocturnal bird migration with minimal human effort. Acoustics complements existing monitoring methods by providing information about individual behaviour and species identities, something generally not possible with tools such as radar. However, the need for expert humans to review audio and identify vocalizations is a challenge to application and development of acoustic technologies.Here, we describe an automated acoustic monitoring pipeline that combines acoustic sensors with machine listening software (BirdVoxDetect). We monitor 4 months of autumn migration in the northeastern United States with five acoustic sensors, extracting nightly estimates of nocturnal calling activity of 14 migratory species with distinctive flight calls. We examine the ability of acoustics to inform two important facets of bird migration: (1) the quantity of migrating birds aloft and (2) the migration timing of individual species. We validate these data with contemporaneous observations from Doppler radars and a large community of citizen scientists, from which we derive independent measures of migration passage and timing.Together, acoustic and weather data produced accurate estimates of the number of actively migrating birds detected with radar. A model combining acoustic data, weather and seasonal timing explained 75% of variation in radar‐derived migration intensity. This model outperformed models that lacked acoustic data. Including acoustics in the model decreased prediction error by 33%. A model with only acoustic information outperformed a model comprising weather and date (57% vs. 48% variation explained, respectively).Acoustics also successfully measured migration phenology: species‐specific timing estimated by acoustic sensors explained 71% of variation in timing derived from citizen science observations.Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate that cost‐effective acoustic sensors can monitor bird migration at species resolution at the landscape scale and should be an integral part of management toolkits. Acoustic monitoring presents distinct advantages over radar and human observation, especially in inaccessible and inhospitable locations, and requires significantly less expense. Managers should consider using acoustic tools for monitoring avian movements and identifying and understanding dangerous situations for birds. These recommendations apply to a variety of conservation and policy applications, including mitigating the impacts of light pollution, siting energy infrastructure (e.g. wind turbines) and reducing collisions with structures and aircraft.