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Assessment of Raptor Electrocution Risks and Associated Fire Hazards in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
Completed
This research addresses a basic need to improve data collection methods in many aspects of raptor electrocution research and to develop more systematic approaches to treating the problem. In the United States, data on raptor electrocutions result primarily from retrospective studies and incidental encounters with dead birds. In these studies there are no standardized methods, no consideration of potential biases, and no sound basis for conclusions. The industry has a legal obligation to deal with the problem, but lacks tested methods to fully justify extensive, proactive retrofitting. Currently there is a critical need for well-designed studies that incorporate risk assessment, risk reduction, and monitoring.
Objectives:
1) Estimate and contrast electrocution mortality among selected pole types and within selected habitat and landscape categories.
2) Evaluate biasing factors that may influence estimates of electrocution mortality.
3) Determine if raptors show preferences for particular poles for perching and identify landscape features that may influence pole selection.
4) Evaluate the effectiveness of retrofitting procedures currently in use to reduce raptor electrocution mortality.
5) Evaluate the usefulness of incidental mortality records for monitoring raptor electrocutions.
Lehman, R.N., Kennedy, P.L., Savidge, J.A., 2007, The state of the art in raptor electrocution research- A global review: Biological Conservation, v. 135, no. 4, p. 459-474. [Highlight] [Abs] [FullText] Catalog No: 1737 Lehman, R.N., 2001, Raptor electrocution on power lines- Current issues and outlook: Wildlife Society Bulletin, v. 29, no. 3, p. 804-813. [FullText] Catalog No: 1058
Raptor-Powerline Mortality Data, Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area - 1999-2005
Raven and Raptor Power Line Mortality Data in the Moon Lake Electrical Association Service Area (Utah and Colorado) - 1995-2002
Rangely Oil Field Perch Survey, 2001-2004
Raptor Necropsy Data from the Moon Lake Electic Company Service Area (Utah and Colorado), 2001 - 2004
Raptor and Raven Necropsy Data from the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, 2000-2004
Fitzpatrick, Martin - Deputy Center Director
Phone: 541-750-1032
Email: Martin_Fitzpatrick@usgs.gov
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