The Western Centre for Animals on the Move (CAM) conducts research on how, why, and where animals move.

We explore how animal movement is influenced by the surrounding environment and human activities. Each year, around the globe, billions of birds, bats, fishes, sea turtles, marine and terrestrial mammals, and insects navigate hundreds to thousands of kilometers between specialized habitats required for breeding, over-winter survival, moulting, and other activities.

Designing effective conservation actions for migratory and non-migratory species in Canada is a major conservation challenge. Canada cannot be resilient to the effects of a changing climate and anthropogenic activities without the health and connectivity of its mobile animal species. The Centre for Animals on Move informs the way we measure, approach, communicate, and ultimately interact with mobile animal species.

MOTUS logo with dragonfly, bat and bird illustration

MOTUS Telemetry System

The MOTUS telemetry system is an international collaboration for tracking birds and other small and hard to track species.

Map of north east Unisted states with isotopic analysis overlay

Mapping Migration with Isotopic Analysis

Isotopic analysis is a fascinating technique for studying the ranges and movement of animmals across large spatial extents.

Data from Swarm overpasses with GPS tracking points of migratory animals

Understanding Animal Navigation

Combining animal tracking data with other satellite information provides valuable insights into relationsihps between movement and the environment.

 

Featured field photos

Learn how our research efforts drive important discoveries that address key research questions and inform our next steps.

Hooded Warbler
MacDougall-Shackleton lab
Student working
Students working
Birds in flight
Bank swallow
Picture of river
Student holding fish