Growing human population demands the expansion of the energy transmission grid. Powerlines represent a major death hazard for many bird species. Understanding the complex interaction between such infrastructures and bird species is of paramount importance to propose effective mitigation measures.
During the past three years, in our project called BIRDPOL (Bird-friendly design of powerlines), we have been investigating how birds use the aerial space using a state-of-the-art avian radar and how powerlines may interfere in the normal use of the habitat. The radar provides detailed information about bird responses to the presence of the powerline and, most importantly, allows us to assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures such as installing flight diverters on the earth wire of a powerline.
Moreover, we have developed a predictive model that uses all available sources of information on bird casualties and other environmental data to highlight hotspots of bird mortality by powerlines. Such model can be updated with future planned powerlines to assess whether such human development may be creating a new potential mortality hotspot. Hence, BIRDPOL provides important insight to authorities and managers regarding this human-wildlife conflict that can be used for a more sustainable development.
Presented by NINA-researcher Diego Pavòn-Jordàn
