Vulture conservation organisation VulPro this week announced they will make their decade’s worth of research into the birds available for free.
Since their founding in 2007, VulPro has collected substantial data on a range of vulture species.
“Following a board meeting that plotted out the vision for VulPro for the next few years, we have taken the bold decision to make our data free for use. All of this data will henceforth be made available to consultants, researchers and fellow conservationists,” the organisation’s Kerri Wolter said in a statement.
“In exchange, VulPro only asks that the source of the data is always properly accredited, regardless of the nature of use.”
In the event of VulPro staff collaborating with a researcher, terms could be worked out in a memorandum of understanding or project proposal.
“VulPro will release data in annual tranches so that the data that is provided is always of the highest quality,” Wolter said. “VulPro prides itself on the accuracy and dedication of our field technicians and the quality of VulPro data reflects this.”
Initially, VulPro would release data by request. “We hope that our tracking of the way that the data is used will keep communication between VulPro and our partners open so that VulPro can assist and collaborate where needed,” said Wolter, “with the aim of better understanding these beautiful birds,”
To access VulPro data, requests should be forwarded to vulprodata@gmail.com.
