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Solving man-induced large-scale conservation problems: the Spanish imperial eagle and power lines.
Pascual López-López1, Miguel Ferrer, Agustín Madero
1Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, Terrestrial Vertebrates Group, University of Valencia, Paterna, Valencia, Spain. Pascual.Lopez@uv.es
Plos One
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Electrocution on power lines is a major threat to the Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti). Mitigation measures have successfully reduced bird electrocutions, leading to positive population trends.
Area of Science:
- Avian Conservation
- Wildlife Management
- Environmental Impact Assessment
Background:
- Electrocution on poorly designed pylons and power lines is a significant mortality factor for birds, particularly the endangered Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti).
- This issue has raised awareness among land managers and the public, prompting research into electrocution events and mitigation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of regional mitigation measures implemented for the conservation of the Spanish imperial eagle.
- To analyze demographic trends in relation to power line design regulations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a 35-year dataset (1974-2009) on Spanish imperial eagle mortality, including population censuses and electrocution data.
- Comparison of data from before and after a 1990 regional regulation mandating power line design improvements.
- Inclusion of data from radio-tracked young eagles and field surveys.
Main Results:
- A positive shift in demographic trends for the Spanish imperial eagle was observed following the implementation of mitigation measures.
- Population size and average annual population change increased between the pre- and post-regulation periods.
- The number of electrocuted birds decreased despite the expansion of the power line network.
Conclusions:
- Bird electrocution is a solvable problem with political will and financial investment.
- Integrating spatial planning and sustainable infrastructure development aids Spanish imperial eagle conservation.
- These conservation efforts can lead to population growth, range expansion, and benefit other endangered species.
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