Scientists promote harmonious coexistence between birds and airplanes | More than 50,000 collisions are recorded every year around the planet.

2023-07-11 04:30:15

Scientists from the National University of Comahue (UNCO) are studying different strategies that promote a harmonious coexistence between birds and human beings. The increasing development and expansion of infrastructures around the world lead to a significant increase in conflicts between people and birds in the use of airspace. This has negative consequences such as aircraft strikes, habitat loss, and disruption of animal reproduction and migration processes. According to a recent study by the International Bird Strike Committee (IBSC), more than 50,000 accidents are recorded annually throughout the planet.

“As we use the air for transportation, power generation and other daily activities, we find ourselves with a growing conflict between our needs and the conservation of flying species,” says Sergio Lambertucci, a UNCO biologist and Conicet researcher. . As he explains, the construction of infrastructures such as wind farms, power lines, antennas and tall glass buildings can represent a threat. In addition to generating obstacles to migratory routes, thousands of birds die every year due to impacts with these infrastructures.

For example, in New York City, the light intensity of skyscrapers was reduced at night in order to reduce the risk of strike to migratory birds.

air parks

Given the continuous advance of human activity in the aerial zone that is home to numerous growing and developing species, it is essential to create protected areas, both permanent and temporary, in order to preserve this environment that until now was ignored in terms of conservation.

Along these lines, one of Lambertucci’s proposals is the creation of “air parks”, that is, reserved areas where the flight of planes is restricted and constructions that may hinder their movement are prohibited. “These parks would not only provide a safe space for birds, but would also allow scientists to study their behavior and movements in a more controlled environment.”

Added to this, there are other strategies that reduce conflicts. One of them is the use of sensors in wind farms that detect the presence of flocks of birds and slow down the rotation of the blades to avoid fatal collisions. Also, the use of glasses with ultraviolet (UV) rays can allow birds to see certain obstacles such as windows and glass structures.

A range of threats

One of the critical points is the proximity of airports to bird habitats. According to a report by the US Federal Aviation Administration, between 1990 and 2020 there were more than two thousand such incidents at airports across the country. During that period, collisions between civil aircraft and 608 species of birds were reported. These incidents not only result in the loss of avian life, but can also cause damage to aircraft windows, engines, and electrical components.

In addition to infrastructure, birds are also affected by pollutants in the air. “Chemical, acoustic, and light pollution can disorient flying species, altering their migration, feeding, and behavior patterns,” says the researcher. In this sense, pollutants from human activities such as the emission of toxic gases and excessive noise represent an additional challenge for the conservation of animals.

A more recent phenomenon that is causing concern is the recreational use of drones. These small unmanned aircraft can disturb and cause harm to birds, especially during critical moments such as nesting, which represents a risk for the successful reproduction of the species. While this is a topic that still requires further research, it is important that users are aware of the impact they can have on birds and take precautions to minimize disturbance. This includes avoiding flying near known nesting areas and adhering to established rules and guidelines for the responsible use of drones.

Balancing needs

The battle to dominate the sky is a priority to protect biodiversity and ensure the safety of flights worldwide. For this reason, the implementation of solutions such as the design of structures that are friendlier for birds, the adoption of cleaner technologies and the regulation of light and noise pollution are key steps. In this direction, the aeroecological perspective can offer a way to understand and mitigate the negative impacts of human activity in the airspace.

“By designing aerial conservation strategies, collisions and deaths of migratory birds can be reduced, allowing their coexistence with man while taking advantage of environmental resources in a sustainable manner,” says Lambertucci. In addition, the scientist who works on the ecology and conservation of high flyers such as condors and other birds of prey, highlights the importance of better understanding habitat use patterns and bird movements in order to design infrastructure more appropriately. “This approach requires the collection of detailed data on the areas that the birds frequent, the critical moments in their life cycle, and potential conflict points with human activities.”