Assessing Bird Mortality Risks from Powerlines

As energy use continues to grow, there is a need to expand the electrical transmission networks, such as powerlines. However, these powerlines pose risks to bird populations, leading to fatalities through collisions and electrocutions. Understanding the factors contributing to bird deaths due to powerlines is crucial in mitigating these impacts. Better knowledge helps in planning where to place new powerlines and how to reduce the risks associated with existing ones.

To gather information about bird deaths, two types of data can be used: data from professional surveys and Citizen Science initiatives. Professional surveys are conducted by trained experts who search specific areas for bird carcasses, while citizen science data comes from volunteers who report their observations, often regarding dead birds they encounter.

#Combining Data Types

In this study, we propose a method to combine both types of data to estimate better the Risk Factors related to bird deaths caused by powerlines. We create models that take into account how both types of data are collected, acknowledging that professional surveys may have biases due to the expertise of those conducting them, while citizen science data might be influenced by where volunteers go and how observant they are.

Our approach uses statistical models to analyze the data, treating both professional and citizen science data as connected but acknowledging their unique characteristics. By doing this, we can achieve more accurate results when assessing the risk factors associated with powerline-related bird deaths.

#Understanding Bird Mortality Due to Powerlines

Bird populations face significant threats from powerlines. Research has shown that overhead wires can fragment bird habitats and increase mortality rates due to collisions and electrocutions. It has been estimated that millions of birds are killed annually due to these hazards. With energy consumption projected to rise significantly in the coming years, understanding these risks is critical to conserving bird populations.

#Data Sources

#Professional Surveys

Data from professional surveys were collected by trained experts who searched designated sections of powerlines for dead birds. These surveys have a structured protocol and aim to find as many bird carcasses as possible within specified areas. The data collected includes exact locations of where birds have died, which helps to define patterns and risks associated with powerlines.

#Citizen Science Records

The second type of data comes from citizen science initiatives, where volunteers report any observations of dead birds they find, including possible causes. Two main sources of this data include online platforms where users can log their observations. This data can cover broader areas and a wider variety of bird species, complementing the more limited professional survey data.

#The Need for a Unified Model

While both data types have their strengths, they also come with inherent biases. Professional surveys may have limitations in geographic coverage due to cost and time constraints. Meanwhile, citizen science data typically lacks structure and can be influenced by volunteer behavior, such as accessibility to certain areas.

To address these challenges and make the most of both data types, we have developed a unified modeling framework. This framework allows us to account for the biases introduced by both types of data, providing a clearer picture of the risks associated with powerline placement.

#Exploring the Model Framework

The proposed modeling framework relies on latent Gaussian models, which help us understand the underlying processes that generate bird mortality data. By treating the data as point patterns within a spatial context, we can better analyze how different factors influence bird deaths along powerline routes.

#Accounting for Biases in Data Collection

In our approach, we focus on different sources of bias influencing the data collection processes. For professional surveys, we consider the selection of sampling sites, which may not be entirely random due to the prior knowledge of the experts. For citizen science data, factors such as accessibility, the observable characteristics of the landscape, and the volunteers’ willingness to report are taken into account.

By modeling these biases, we can ensure that our overall analysis is more robust and representative of the true ecological patterns at play.

#Simulation Studies

To evaluate our modeling framework, we conducted simulation studies using the powerline networks in Trøndelag, Norway. Different scenarios were created to assess how the models performed under varying conditions, such as random versus preferential sampling of powerlines and high versus low willingness to report bird deaths.

Through these simulations, we generated numerous datasets and fitted our models to assess their performance. The results indicated that integrating both data types led to improved estimates and greater accuracy in identifying risk factors for bird mortality due to powerlines.

#Real-World Application

#Case Study: Powerline-Induced Bird Deaths in Trøndelag

The real-world case study focuses on understanding the factors contributing to bird deaths caused by powerlines in Trøndelag, Norway. Using our modeling framework, we analyzed data from both professional surveys and citizen science records to gain insights into the risk factors associated with powerline placement.

#Explanatory Variables

To explain the patterns observed in the data, we considered various environmental factors. These include:

• Powerline Density: The number and proximity of powerlines in a given area.
• Bird Abundance: The number of birds present, which increases the likelihood of collisions.
• Land Use: Different land types can influence bird movement and visibility.
• Cloud Cover: The visibility conditions impacting bird detection near powerlines.

By analyzing these factors, we aim to create risk maps that can help inform future powerline installations and conservation efforts.

#Results from the Case Study

The outcomes of our analysis revealed significant variability in the risk of bird deaths near powerlines, highlighting areas that are more susceptible based on the factors we examined. The models integrating both professional and citizen science data provided more accurate risk estimates compared to those relying solely on one type of data.

The findings emphasize the importance of using multiple data sources to inform conservation strategies and decision-making regarding infrastructure placement.

#Addressing the Uncertain Predictions

In addition to estimating risks, our models also assessed the uncertainty surrounding the predictions. Understanding the level of uncertainty helps stakeholders make informed decisions about powerline placements and subsequent conservation measures.

Models focused solely on professional survey data showed higher uncertainty compared to those utilizing citizen science records. This reflects the broader spatial coverage and variety of species represented in citizen science data, making it a valuable resource.

#Conclusion

This work highlights the significance of integrating professional surveys and citizen science data to assess the risks associated with bird mortality near powerlines. By developing a robust modeling framework that accounts for the unique characteristics of both data types, we can obtain more accurate insights into the ecological processes at play.

The findings underscore the potential for using combined data sources to target conservation efforts effectively, ultimately leading to better protection for bird populations in the face of expanding energy infrastructure.

Future research can build upon this work by exploring additional variables, improving data collection techniques, and refining modeling approaches to further enhance our understanding of wildlife interactions with human infrastructure. The methodologies applied in this study can serve as a blueprint for similar ecological inquiries across various contexts.

#Implications for Conservation

The insights gained from this study can inform future conservation strategies by identifying the most at-risk areas along powerline networks. By targeting mitigation efforts in these zones, we can reduce the impacts of powerline-induced deaths on bird populations.

Moreover, the integration of citizen science into ecological research emphasizes the important role that community involvement plays in understanding wildlife dynamics. Engaging volunteers not only broadens the data collection scope but also fosters a deeper connection between the public and conservation efforts.

In conclusion, as energy needs grow, careful planning and consideration of wildlife interactions with human infrastructure are essential. The approaches outlined in this research pave the way for more informed decision-making that balances energy development with ecological preservation.