Electrocution and collision of birds with power lines in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Abstract.A power line located 100 km south of Jeddah was monitored for four years (2008)(2009)(2010)(2011) and the results show that collision and electrocution of birds by power lines are of conservation concern in Saudi Arabia. The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Corncrake (Crex crex) and Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) were the most affected species in the study area. However, the Common Quail seems to be more susceptible than other species and was found in high numbers. Although the number of species affected is probably low, the increases in energy demands and the introduction of new power lines will lead to an increase in bird deaths by electrocution and collision unless a conservation measure is applied to minimize the effect of power lines especially among the migratory species.

Accounting for the low survival of the Critically Endangered northern bald ibisGeronticus eremitaon a major migratory flyway

“…By contrast, older birds have been observed using the pylons as roosts (Berthold, 2001; Van den Bossche, 2002; Serra, 2010) and it is possible that these are routinely used at one key staging site in Yemen. The concentration of power lines at certain places along the migratory route is notable, and large numbers of soaring birds can be killed when flocks collide with the lines (Shobrak, 2012).…”

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

“…On the other hand, sections with high and medium risk of collisions on paper need to be attentively inspected in the field, critical sections targeted for finds of birds killed as a result of collisions, their causes analyzed, and measures for their elimination subsequently proposed. These may consist for example in the installation of flight diverter devices (Janss & Ferrer 1998, Morkill & Anderson 1991, Yee 2008, Barrientos et al 2011, 2012, Sporer et al 2013, laying the power line cables in the ground (APLIC 2012, Raab et al 2012, or proposing a change in the line's route through the countryside (Haas et al 2005, D'Amico et al 2019.…”

“…Even if the power lines are just in the vicinity of those areas, there is still high probability of numerous collisions (Erickson et al 2005), especially near places used for taking off and landing (Heck 2007, Quinn et al 2011. A particular problem arises when there are frequent movements of large flocks between their hunting and nesting biotopes, or if the power lines pass perpendicularly across the birds' main migration routes (Crowder 2000, Shobrak 2012.…”

Comprehensive analysis of bird mortality along power distribution lines in Slovakia

“…The problem has also been described in various countries in Asia, e.g. Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, India, Dagestan (Gombobaatar et al 2004, Harness et al 2008, Karyakin et al 2009, Shobrak 2012, Gadziev 2013 and in Europe (Ferrer et al 1991; Janss & Ferrer 2001, Haas et al 2005, Demerdziev et al 2009, Samushenko et al 2012, Demerdziev 2014, Demeter et al 2018. Several of the available studies include quantified avian electrocution rates.…”

“…Collisions of birds with electrical lines represent a significant mortality factor for several species. They have been noted as an important cause of mortality and they vary with habitat, local avian populations, line design (Ward & Anderson 1992, Koops 1994, Roig & Navazo 1997, Hunting 2002, Bevanger & Brøseth 2004, Wright et al 2008, APLIC 2012, Shobrak 2012, Sporer et al 2013 and line orientation (Brown 1993). Power lines crossing the birds' daily movement corridors can be particularly problematic (Bevanger & Brøseth 2004, Frost 2008, Stehn & Wassenich 2008.…”