Systematic review and meta-analysis of bird management techniques used in aerodromes

Abstract

Aeronautical accidents caused by collisions with birds have grown dramatically in recent decades. To minimize these effects, aerodrome managers may adopt several bird management techniques in order to keep them away from the airport environment. However, the efficiency of these techniques is still unclear. Therefore, here we evaluated the effectiveness of the main bird management techniques applied in aerodromes and compared their efficiency in decreasing bird abundance through a meta-analysis. Using a systematic review, we selected 24 papers on bird management in aerodromes (airfields and airports) and 15 papers provided 43 effect sizes needed for a meta-analysis. We found 13 techniques applied to bird management in aerodromes. The most applied technique was the control of grass height followed by falconry, dog patrol and use of effigies, respectively. At general, management techniques were not efficient in reducing bird abundance in aerodromes. However, individual bird management techniques were efficient. Falconry was the most effective method to disperse birds, followed by effigies and control of grass height, respectively. Techniques using noise and dog patrol were not effective. Despite that no technique alone is able to completely eliminate the risk of collisions between birds and aircrafts, their use associated with knowledge of habitat use for the target species may significantly reduce the risk of accidents. We also stress that it is necessary to design studies with robust methodology and clarity in the data to assist in decision making by aerodrome operators.