Helicopter Search for the Ivory-billed Woodpecker

A collaborative partnership has been established to conduct helicopter searches over portions of what is thought to be the core of Ivory-billed Woodpecker habitat in the Big Woods of Arkansas.

The searches should take about eight flight days to complete, starting in late January and if necessary, lasting through mid-February to account for potential weather delays. About 125,983 acres of forestland in the lower White River watershed will be searched via helicopter using multiple observers. The first objective of the helicopter search is to locate and capture definitive still camera or video imagery of an Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Widely accepted proof would be invaluable in resolving differences of opinion within the scientific community over the rediscovery of this species as well as promoting appropriate, effective, ongoing conservation efforts.

The second objective is to allow for subsequent ground investigations of a much smaller area to focus on roosting or nest cavity location. Locating these important habitat elements will enable researchers to gather information that could make significant contributions to the knowledge and recovery of the species.

 

Search Area
The helicopter searches will take place over forest lands on or adjacent to the Rex Hancock/Black Swamp Wildlife Management Area, Cache River National Wildlife Refuge, Dagmar Wildlife Management Area, Wattensaw Wildlife Management Area, and White River National Wildlife Refuge.

Observers
Multiple observers will be positioned in the passenger area of the helicopter. In addition to constantly scanning for a flushed Ivory-billed Woodpecker, cabin observers will have high quality cameras pre-set/focused and ready to point and shoot still/video images of a flushed Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

Transects
Searches will be done by flying previously defined transects downloaded into GPS units monitored by the pilot and cockpit observer. Transects will be defined using landform characteristics with consideration for making the most efficient use of available flight time on individual flights. The pilot is using GPS to avoid flying over areas more than once to limit the amount of disturbance. Repetitive disturbance can impact wildlife, but the use of GPS, and a well planned transect style search will minimize disturbance.