Eastern Ecological Science Center biologists are studying migration and population ecology of the rufa red knot, a bird species that is dependent on horseshoe crab eggs to complete its trans-hemispheric migration. The birds' spring migration is timed with spawning of horseshoe crabs because the eggs are the perfect food for a migrating red knot.
Collection of regional population estimates inform management decisions at major migration staging areas in the Delaware Bay, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Tracking technologies such as leg flags and nanotags characterize recurrent wintering areas, stopover areas, and migration routes. Horseshoe crabs are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Their eggs are a vital source of food for the rufa red knot, which is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Eastern Ecological Science Center biologists are studying migration and population ecology of the rufa red knot, a bird species that is dependent on horseshoe crab eggs to complete its trans-hemispheric migration. The birds' spring migration is timed with spawning of horseshoe crabs because the eggs are the perfect food for a migrating red knot.
Collection of regional population estimates inform management decisions at major migration staging areas in the Delaware Bay, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Tracking technologies such as leg flags and nanotags characterize recurrent wintering areas, stopover areas, and migration routes. Horseshoe crabs are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Their eggs are a vital source of food for the rufa red knot, which is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.