Scientists at the National University of Comahue (UNCO) are studying different strategies that promote a harmonious coexistence between birds and humans. The increasing development and expansion of infrastructure around the world leads to a significant increase in conflicts between people and birds in the use of airspace. This has negative consequences, such as collisions with aircraft, loss of habitat 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 across the planet.
“As we use air for transportation, power generation and other daily activities, we face an increasing conflict between our needs and the conservation of flying species,” he says. Sergio Lambertucci, biologist at UNCO and researcher at Conicet. As he explains, the construction of infrastructure such as wind farms, power lines, antennas and tall glass buildings can pose a threat. In addition to creating obstacles to migratory routes, thousands of birds die every year due to the impacts of these infrastructures.
For example, in New York City, the light intensity of skyscrapers was dimmed at night to reduce the risk of collision with migratory birds.
air parks
Given the continuous advance of human activity in the aerial zone that is home to numerous species in growth and development, it is essential to create protected areas, both permanent and temporary, in order to preserve this environment that has so far been 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 could hinder their movement are prohibited. “These parks would not only provide a safe space for the birds, but also allow scientists to study their behavior and movements in a more controlled environment.”
In addition, 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. In addition, the use of ultraviolet (UV) glasses can allow birds to see certain obstacles, such as windows and glass structures.
A series 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 2,000 such incidents at airports across the country. During this period, collisions between civil aircraft and 608 species of birds were recorded. These incidents not only result in the loss of bird life, but can also cause damage to aircraft windows, engines, and electrical components.
In addition to infrastructure, birds are also affected by air pollutants. “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 of concern is the recreational use of drones. These small unmanned aircraft can disturb and cause damage to birds, especially at critical times such as nesting, which poses a risk to the reproductive success 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 disruption. This includes avoiding flying close to known nesting areas and adhering to established rules and guidelines for responsible drone use.
Balancing needs
The battle for dominance in the sky is a priority to protect biodiversity and ensure the safety of flights around the world. Thus, the implementation of solutions such as designing more bird-friendly structures, adopting cleaner technologies, and regulating 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, it is possible to reduce the collisions and deaths of migratory birds, allowing them to coexist with humans and taking advantage of environmental resources in a sustainable way”, says Lambertucci. In addition, the scientist who works with the ecology and conservation of large flying insects, such as condors and other birds of prey, highlights the importance of better understanding habitat use patterns and bird movements to design infrastructure more appropriately. “This approach requires the collection of detailed data on the areas that the birds frequent, the critical moments of their life cycle and the possible points of conflict with human activities”.