Avian Flight Heights across Power lines in Dar es Salaam.
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Date
2015
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI)
Abstract
In recent years, Africa has experienced an increase in power generation projects. However, such development projects come with negative side effects on the environment. For example, electrocution and collision with power lines have become among the causes of mortality to populations of large terrestrial birds. Many species of birds are especially vulnerable to collision with high voltage transmission lines because of the height of these structures with respect to birds’ flight altitudes. Despite the increased power lines networks, there have been very little studies on the flight heights of birds in relation to power lines. From December to February 2015, we studied flight heights of local birds as they commuted across low (LVP, 33KV) and high (HVP, 132KV) voltage power lines in Dar es Salaam. In additional to avian flight heights, we also studied their behaviours as they approached the power lines. The two power lines had different heights from the ground (13 m versus 24 m) but we targeted birds that passed between 13 5 m and 24 5 m recording whether a bird passed below, between or above electric cables. Using the abundance of birds that crossed the power lines, we found no preferred flight heights at LVP and HVP although all egrets passed above the cables. Changing of flight heights as birds approached power lines was recorded only for egrets whereas collision was observed for Indian House Crow and House Sparrow. We recommend that before any installation or erection of power lines, investigation on birds’ routes to and from roosts and foraging sites must be conducted first. Use of underground connections and wire-marking or bird flight diverters at sensitive locations can help to reduce the risk of collision for both local and migratory flying animals especially birds.
Description
Keywords
collission, electrocution, flight heights, powerlines, urban
Citation
Tuyishime J., John, J.R.M. (2015). Avian Flight Heights across Power lines in Dar es Salaam. Proceedings of the 10th TAWIRI Scientific Conference, 2nd – 4th December 2015. Naura Springs Hotel, Arusha, Tanzania. Pp. 28-37.