Abstract
We studied the seasonal variations of movement distances by jungle crows (Corvus macrorhychos) and frequency of usage of livestock barns to help assess their role in the transmission of infectious disease. GPS data loggers were attached to 265 jungle crows that were released and subsequently recaptured in a box trap in Tochigi between January 2012 and January 2013. Latitude and longitude data from a total of 82 recaptured crows were analyzed. Monthly daytime movements were greatest in April and September. Birds roosted in the same forests throughout the year, but moved around most during April. Maximum daytime travel distances (i.e. between roost and field) were significantly greater than distances between roosting sites in the months of January, May and September to December. Spatial data for each crow’s use of livestock barns were also analyzed and showed consistent use throughout the year. 38 crows moved between multiple barns (4.3±3.1 barns), suggesting they might be vectors in the transmission of infectious diseases. As such, the prevention of access by wild animals to livestock barns is a sensible precautionary measure.
