Bird collisions with power lines: State of the art and priority areas for research

Bernardino, Joana; Bevanger, Kjetil; Barrientos, Rafael; Dwyer, James F.; Marques, Ana Teresa; Martins, Ricardo C.; Shaw, Jessica M.; Silva, J.P.; Moreira, Francisco

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2018.02.029

Cited by 129 publications

(149 citation statements)

References 75 publications

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“…Worldwide, energy systems are transforming towards low-carbon and renewable-based systems. The increasingly decentralized supply structure raises many research questions regarding structure, dimension and impact of the electricity transmission and distribution network [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]. Spatial grid data on overhead power lines, but also underground cables, are essential for these research areas [11].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial Distribution of Overhead Power Lines and Underground Cables in Germany in 2016

Eichhorn

Thylmann

Peters

et al. 2018

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In the context of transformative energy policy frameworks, such as the German “Energiewende”, state and federal agencies, regulators, and country planners need reliable data on the energy system infrastructure to make substantiated decisions about line routing and extension. The decision-making processes are accompanied by interdisciplinary research efforts in the areas of energy system planning and modelling, economic viability, and environmental impact, e.g., visual amenity or potential impacts on species. Proved data on the spatial distribution of the electricity transmission and distribution network can inform these efforts, in particular when combined with key technological parameters, like installed capacity, total size, and required space. Without these data, adequate assessments of potential impacts, e.g., the collision of birds with overhead lines, are not possible. However, no such comprehensive dataset exists for Germany. The dataset produced in this paper is based on open-source data using OpenStreetMap (OSM). It covers the spatial distribution of overhead power lines and underground cables of Germany, combined with the attributes needed for adequate environmental impact assessment of overhead lines, such as voltage levels, route length, and circuit lengths. Furthermore, the dataset is validated by different publicly available statistics provided by the German Federal Grid Agency and official spatial data of the Federal Office of Cartography and Geodesy.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial Distribution of Overhead Power Lines and Underground Cables in Germany in 2016

Eichhorn

Thylmann

Peters

et al. 2018

Data

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“…The growing numbers of observed interactions between birds and power lines is linked with the worldwide increase in extent of such lines, which was estimated in 2010 at more than 65 million kilometers of transmission and distribution lines (Jenkins et al 2010). Collisions with power lines are a studied and confirmed cause of bird mortality in many countries of the world (Alonso & Alonso 1999, Rubolini et al 2005, Derouaux et al 2012, Gális et al 2016, Bernardino et al 2018 and may have fundamental negative impact on endangered and reduced populations on the local level (Crowder 2000, Drewitt & Langston 2008, Raab et al 2012. It is possible to observe collisions most frequently in areas where the power lines cross the hunting and nesting biotopes used by large bird populations (Andriushchenko & Popenko 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…According to current scientific knowledge and published studies, the principal causes making up the set determining the degree of risk are divided into three categories (Bernardino et al 2018). These consist of the environmental conditions of the site, the morphology/ ecology of the bird species and the technical parameters of the power line.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Methodology of risk assessment for electricity distribution lines in Slovakia with regard to potential bird mortality due to collisions with power lines

2019

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Power lines represent an important and increasing worldwide cause of avian mortality due to collisions involving flying birds. One positive and very important fact is that only some parts of potentially dangerous lines are responsible for the majority of killed birds. These sections need to be identified and treated with proper mitigation measures. In this article we present a specially-prepared methodology aimed at classifying power lines according to the risk they present. The identification of power lines with the highest risk of possible bird collision requires easily-accessed biological, technical and landscape information. In addition to analyses of these main inputs, our methodology also evaluates the influence of power line orientation relative to the important migration routes of birds, the effect of nearby tree growth higher than the evaluated power lines, and the complexity of landscape relief. Based on these three additional inputs, it is possible to produce a digitalized map showing with one-meter accuracy the location of power line sections with the high/middle/low mortality risk due to collision for any existing or newly-planned grid. Sections with highest risk should be considered as priority for the implementation of mitigation measures including e.g. installation of bird flight diverters. Our methodology was prepared for 22 kV and 110 kV distribution power lines in Slovakia. It is flexible enough to be applied equally to any geographic conditions and/or bird community, different voltage levels and construction designs of power lines. Our methodology can be applied by ornithologists, nature conservancy organization and power line system operators to implement environmental and cost-effective mitigation measures.

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“…It is the highest wire and can be difficult for birds to see (APLIC 2012) because of its small diameter compared to phase conductors. The number of vertical levels can pose greater risk, but many studies reporting the positive/ negative effects of number of vertical levels of wire were reviewed in the excellent study by Bernardino et al (2018), where the authors conclude that there is little scientific evidence in support of these effects due to the practical difficulties involved in testing them (APLIC 2012).…”

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confidence: 99%

Comprehensive analysis of bird mortality along power distribution lines in Slovakia

et al. 2019

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Collisions and electrocutions on power lines are known to kill large numbers of birds annually on a global scale. We conducted comprehensive research focused on bird mortality caused by 22 kV and 110 kV distribution power lines in 13 Special Protection Areas in Slovakia. In the period between December 2014 and February 2016, 6,235 km of power lines were inspected twice during two periods (12/2014–03/2015 and 04/2015–02/2016) of field survey. In addition an intensive study was conducted during the second field survey at one-month intervals on power lines identified as the most dangerous for birds to collide with. As a result, 4,353 bird carcasses and bird remains representing 84 bird species and 14 orders were identified. Electrocution was suspected for 76.72% and collision for 23.28% of fatalities. Raptors were associated with 40% of all identified victims of electrocution. Two peaks of incidence were recorded, the first in March with a high rate of electrocutions as well as collisions of swans, pheasants, common blackbirds, ducks and herons, and the second in September predominantly featuring electrocution of raptors, magpies and corvids. We were unable to quantify seasonal patterns of mortality due to the limited sample of repeated mortality surveys resulting from the large grid of inspected power lines. We conducted comprehensive statistical analysis of more than 100 configurations of pylons and calculated their potential risk towards birds. Strong spatial correlation was revealed in the data set. Metal branch pylons and corner pylons with exposed jumper wires passing over the supporting insulators above the cross arms were the most dangerous configuration, accounting for 34.72% of total recorded electrocution fatalities (0.13 carcass/pylon). Cases of electrocution were also recorded for two bird species of major conservation concern in Slovakia: saker falcon (Falco cherrug) and eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca). The results of this study may substantially improve conservation management and policies needed to reduce bird mortality.

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Bird collisions with power lines: State of the art and priority areas for research

Cited by 129 publications

References 75 publications

Spatial Distribution of Overhead Power Lines and Underground Cables in Germany in 2016

Spatial Distribution of Overhead Power Lines and Underground Cables in Germany in 2016

Methodology of risk assessment for electricity distribution lines in Slovakia with regard to potential bird mortality due to collisions with power lines

Comprehensive analysis of bird mortality along power distribution lines in Slovakia

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