Title:

Predicting and Correcting Electrocution of Birds in Mediterranean Areas

Publication Year:
2010
Abstract:

A logistic regression model indicated that the probability of a pylon electrocuting a bird was mainly related to pylon conductivity, distribution of the conductive elements on the cross-arms, cross-arm configuration, habitat, topography, whether the pylon was overhanging other landscape elements, and presence of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We validated the predictive power of this model by using a random sample of 20% of all pylons surveyed. We found that bird mortality was aggregated mainly on pylons assigned a high probability risk by the model. Pylons included in the very high electrocution risk category (9.2%) accounted for 53.2% of carcasses, whereas pylons classified in the low electrocution risk category (54.5%) only accounted for 3.5% of mortality. Power companies employed this classification to prioritize the correction of 222 pylons by installing alternate cross-arms and suspended jumpers and isolating wires and jumpers. Key words: Catalonia, conservation, electrocution of birds, endangered species, Mediterranean ecosystems, mitigation measures, power lines, predictive models, raptors, Spain.

Publication Title:

Journal of Wildlife Management

Volume:
74
Issue:
8
Pages:
1852 - 1862
Item Type:
Journal Article
Language:
en