Mitigate Impact Of Transmission Lines on Avian Species

Transmission Powerlines creates ample warnings to different avian species, specifically those who migrate in large flocks and massive species with limited manoeuvrability. Raptor species (Tawny Eagle, Lesser Kestrels, and White-backed Vulture) fall well in the said sector. These are the most endangered species to mortality due to powerlines.

Electrocution of birds  Basically takes place whenever an avian species tries to bridges the gap between a live wire or an earthed element or two live phases. Majorly large avian species fall in the said radius.

Avian species are most at risk of electrocution because of their broad wingspans and having a  tendency to use powerlines tower's /poles as most preferable nesting and perching platforms.

Collision with power lines is a lesser-known problem in comparison to electrocution and it's difficult to identify because it can take place at any point of powerlines. Avian more often collides with earth wire as they are unable to identify it, due to low frontal vision. Collision risk depends on the following factors:-

• Surrounding Areas
• Existence of  Powerlines

Majorly collision cases are expected to be seen along with river and valley areas because avian species visit these areas mostly during summer or dry season. In most cases, the impact of collision leads to immediate death or lethal injuries.

Both Electrocution and collision are one of the major factors of  mortality among large and medium-size avian species. Like Storks, Eagles, Vultures, other Raptors, Owls, Ravens and Bustards.

After enormous research and testing of different kinds of line, markers have been introduced to make powerlines more visible to avian species specifically during migrations. In average the available line marking devices are:- aerial marker spheres, spirals, and hanging devices like:- Bird Diverter, Flappers.

Standards for Avian safety for Modernizing New Power Lines:-

• Substitute upright insulators on cross-arms with hanging insulators
• Place the power lines (conductors) below the cross-arms.
• Installation of bird-friendly perching and/or nesting devices,
• Installation of clearly notified large- line markers with high contrast like- Red, Yellow, Pink, Black and white.
• Highly moving and reflecting bird flight diverters on powerlines and ground wires.
• Examination of powerlines should be done frequently for bird electrocution and collision.
• Converting new and existing overhead powerlines to underground cabling wherever possible keep technicalities in mind. Specifically in the region of high avian migration.

Powerlines pose a big threat to avian species worldwide and the same can be reduced by bringing more light on Bird flight diverters.