Are powerlines dangerous for birds? It has been known for 130 years
It has been known for 130 years that birds die in the power lines and unfortunately many countries like ours have not yet started to underground the lines. Such an important infrastructure that electrifies settlements, livestock farms, agricultural storehouses, antennas or carries electricity from wind turbines and solar panels is everywhere in the countryside and locally - depending on the densities of birds and their activity - can be fatal for their lives. Medium- and large-sized birds are most vulnerable, while many victims are recorded on lines crossing wetlands, where many birds congregate.
Which are the dangers of powerlines for birds?
Electrocution of birds roosting on the pylons. Death can result either from a short circuit when the bird touches the two conductors and electricity passes through its body (1) or from ground faults connecting the bird's body and a grounded part of the metal structure (2).
Birds collide with wires when flying because wires are difficult to perceive as obstacles. Birds can be injured or even killed by electrocution.
Degradation of bird habitat when lines make their habitat a dangerous place to live.
In our area, only our team has recorded many incidents with our beloved white stork being the most frequent victim, as it moves daily between power lines. We have also spotted 6 Cinereous vultures, 4 Griffon Vultures, 2 Golden Eagles, 2 Eagle owls and other birds of prey.
How could bird deaths be reduced? As long as powerlines remain above ground in important areas for birds, it is necessary to insulate the poles and mark the cables where birds most frequently use an area.
One of the dangerous pylons for electrocuting birds is the one we see every day that if insulated as shown in the photo becomes harmless.
For this reason, our team maps the pylons in important bird areas in Thrace and classifies them according to their risk in order to collect the necessary number of pylons for insulation. This work is complementary to similar work carried out in the last 10 years by WWF Greece and NECCA Dadia forest and the forests of Derio and Filiori valleys and this time we cover forest areas between the Dadia forest and Alexandroupolis and the straits of Nestos River.
This action is carried out in collaboration with Hellenic Ornithological Society within the framework of the LIFE-IP 4 NATURA program entitled "Integrated actions for the conservation and management of Natura 2000 network areas, species, habitats and ecosystems in Greece" (LIFE16 IPE/GR/000002)
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