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Evaluation of two power line markers to reduce crane and waterfowl collision mortality

Type of publication

Peer reviewed

Author

Brown & Drewien

Organisation type

Research centre

Year

1995

Language

English

Publicly available

No

Organisation

Hornocker Wildlife Research Institute

Country of experiment

U.S.

Description

Collisions with power lines are a source of mortality to cranes (Grus americana and Grus canadensis), waterfowl, and other birds. We evaluated 2 power line markers for reducing crane and waterfowl mortality in the San Luis Valley, Colorado and examined factors contributing to collisions and marker effectiveness. Collision mortality rates at 8 segments (about 0.8 km each) of power lines marked with either yellow spiral vibration dampers or yellow fiberglass swinging plates were compared with 8 adjoining unmarked segments. During 3 spring and 3 fall migration periods (1988-1991), estimated mortality on study segments was 706, including >35 species. Waterfowl and cranes constituted >80% of mortality. Both marker types reduced mortality (P< 0.005). Birds reacted to marked lines at greater distances and increased their altitude as compared to unmarked lines (P < 0.0001). Factors affecting collisions or marker effectiveness included wind (P = 0.008), nocturnal flights and disturbance (P < 0.005), and age of sandhill cranes (P < 0.001). Neither marker performed better in all study seasons; each may have had unique benefits. Plates damaged distribution lines, precluding their continued use; however, a new marker from Europe which incorporates the benefits of both plates and dampers should be evaluated, as it may best protect against collision losses.

Target species

Multi-species

Key words
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Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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