Bird Electrocution on Power Lines in the Republic of Kalmykia (Russia) in 2021

Abstract

The article presents the results of the study of bird electrocution on power lines in the eastern part of the Republic of Kalmykia in 2021. 43 sections of 6–10 kV power lines with the total length of 472.4 km were examined. The remains of 106 birds that died due to electrocution and 5 birds that collided with wires were found upon our examination of 407.7 km of power lines dangerous to birds. The average density was 3.4±2.8 remains per 10 km of lines, with several mass mortality sections of up to 10.9 remains per 10 km identified. Birds of prey predominated among found remains (93%): the Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) – 26%, the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) – 25%, the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) – 13%, and other species. On the basis of our examination the damage caused by bird`s deaths while operating 6-10 kV power lines by Kalmenergo, a branch of Rosseti-Yug PJSC, amounted to 9,287,400 rubles. Based on the results of a claim by the RK Prosecutor's Office, the Elista City Court ordered Kalmenergo to equip all power lines in Sarpinsky and Harbinsky wildlife sanctuaries with bird protection devices.