Power Lines – A threat to migrating birds

Avian Mortality due to power lines will always have a larger effect on an avian species specifically those with high conservation status than a more abundant species. As per different researchers worldwide, mitigation can also be executed once power lines have been built and are fully operational, but this will leads to much higher costs. Many avian species are very much nearing to extinction due to collision with power lines in their habitats.

As per the recent reports, it's been found that avian species are dying at the rate of 15% annually due to collision with power lines i.e. specifically by those that cross their flying path during migration. Power lines with vertical positioning are the biggest threat to avian species as their flying path has a high density of power lines. All avian species are prone to collision due to their poor frontal vision and inability to see the power lines from long distance.

Research Specification of Avian Species:

·         Which migratory species occur during migration.

·         Maximum and, if applicable, mean numbers present.

·         Temporal variation in migratory activity.

·         Location of migration routes.

·         Local movement patterns.

·         Habitat requirements for staging.

·         foraging habits during staging.

·         Conservation status of the species concerned.

Since the natural death rate of large avian species is 4-8 per cent, the current additive mortality rate due to power lines is remarkably quite higher about 15%, if not controlled, can result in the extinction of many avian species.

The need of the hour was to plan for new underground power lines and install sufficient bird diverters as per standards set by official governing bodies to save avian species from being electrocuted.

Worldwide researchers claim that there is an urgent requirement to install Bird Diverters and emphasize the use of underground power lines in our system to bring the mortality rate down instantly. The use of Bird Flight Diverter is the only way that reduces the mortality among birds.

The GIB is one of the largest flying birds of the Indian subcontinent. 

After going through multiple types of research it's been taken into consideration that Installation of Bird Diverters is a must on any power lines passing through or near to any flying path of avian species so that they can identify the obstacles from far distance and avoid collation with power lines.