Collision and electrocution on overhead power lines as cause of death of the Red Kite (Milvus milvus) in Germany
As renewable energies are developed, the electricity grid is also expanded further. This can increase the anthropogenic mortality risk of birds on overhead power lines due to collisions and electrocution. Birds of prey, including the endemic European Red Kite (Milvus milvus), are among the bird groups most at risk of electrocution, but the risk of collision with overhead power lines is categorised as very low for this species. With the help of telemetry data generated between 2013 and 2022 and collected as part of the LIFE EUROKITE project, the mortality of Red Kites on overhead power lines in Germany was determined. Out of a total of 121 Red Kites that died during this period, there were only two documented cases on overhead power lines: While not a single one of the birds tagged died from electrocution, there was one case each of possible and probable collision.
The finding that none of the Red Kites from the LIFE EUROKITE project database in Germany were killed by electrocution indicates that the legal requirements under Section 41 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act have had a positive effect on the mortality of the species. The analysis of the telemetry data also confirms the assessment that the risk to the Red Kite from collisions with overhead power lines in Germany is low. Practical experience shows that effective legal regulations and their implementation are crucial for the protection of birds of prey such as the Red Kite.
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