Category
PROMOTE CONSERVATION
In course of the planet’s stressed ecosystems with increasing number of yearly wildfires and accelerating rainforest logging activities help in any way, as tiny as it may be, is much needed to make a difference. Sunbird Images supports individual conservationists such as local bird guides, bio-monitoring organisations as well as professional staff of conservation and wildlife protection organisations and NGOs through giving away its nature apps for free. Due to publisher-bound demands many professional Sunbird nature apps are high priced. Through Sunbird’s support an individual local guide can afford an electronic guide to train local staff or educate the next generation in species identification of their local country specific animal and plant life.
Sunbird Apps
ALL BIRDS GUIANAS
Used by the Peace Corps in Guyana
For example, the Peace Corps in Guyana uses the Sunbird Images App All Birds Guianas for its teachers in Guyana. They teach environmental education to local people. Knowing about natural resources and appreciating the environment makes a significant contribution to protecting endangered ecosystems.
Helm Field Guide
Birds of Northern South America
Until now, for the avifauna of the region Suriname, Guyana
Challenges
LOCALIZATION & CONTENT
A major challenge in the implementation of this project was the localization of the content. Here, not only the distribution of the respective species had to be considered, but also the fact that different subspecies occur in different regions. This required the work of good ornithologists to prepare the data and provide users with a tool for identification and information that is appropriate for the region in question.
For the Peace Corps‘ teachers, it was important
The app offers some major advantages over using books. When used in the field in tropical climates, books are not only an obstructive piece of luggage due to their weight, but also do not have a very long lifespan. Also a book does not offer a search function or the possibility to zoom into the pictures. The latter is an important feature, especially when used in teaching, to draw attention to special field marks. Of particular note, however, are the bird songs and calls embedded in the app, which are perhaps the most complete collection of birdcalls in the region.