Bird mortality on powerlines in the Altai Republic and Altai Kray of Russia in 2022

Abstract

In October of 2022, 419 km of 6-10kV powerlines were inspected in the Altai Republic and Altai Kray of Russia. The most favorable situation was found in Ulagan District of the Altai Republic. In other districts – Ust-Kan (Altai Republic), Uglovskiy, Solonesh, Rubtsovsk and Petropavlovsk (Altai Kray), numerous violations were observed. In total, 211 dead birds were found killed by electrocution. Nine out of them belong to species enlisted in the Red Data Book of Russia including one Saker Falcon enlisted as Primarily Valuable Species. Along this work we revealed the most dangerous lines required immediate retrofitting with Bird Protection Devices (BPDs) or renovation of already existing ones. The highest priority status was assigned to 6 powerlines or parts of them with a total length of 60 km, that got in total 401 unsafe utility poles. Those line were the cause of death of all Red-listed individuals and caused maximum damage to wildlife expressed in financial equivalent. The total damage to wildlife from all powerlines inspected was equal to 4 463 840 rubles (around $58 735 / €54 000) without approximation on previous season. A scheme of bird-dangerous parts of powerlines / single poles with coordinates was developed for all inspected lines.