GPS tracking reveals the timing of collisions with powerlines and fences of three threatened steppe bird species

Abstract

Summary Collision with powerlines is a major cause of mortality for many bird species, including bustards and sandgrouse. In this work, we used GPS tracking data to identify the hour of collision of three threatened steppe birds, i.e. Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax, Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis, and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata. Out of a data set of 160 GPS-tracked individuals collected over a 13-year period, we detected eight collision events with powerlines or fences. Of these, we were able to determine the timing of 87.5% of the collision events with a resolution accurate to within two hours. Our results reveal that collisions occurred throughout the year and at different hours of the day, presenting a challenge for implementing effective mitigation strategies. The use of dynamic and reflective or luminescent devices may therefore be appropriate to prevent collision of steppe birds with powerlines during the day and night. Overall, this study adds evidence to the utility of using tracking data to better understand anthropogenic mortality in birds.