Powerlines blamed for deaths of eagles

FOUR wedge-tailed eagles have died near Tasmanian powerlines during the past fortnight, with electrocution the confirmed cause of death for two of the endangered birds.

Raptor and Wildlife Refuge founder Craig Webb said in the most recent case an eagle was found below powerlines at Gretna on Monday. An avian specialist confirmed the death was caused by electrocution.

Mr Webb said it was the third eagle found dead near powerlines this week, with the causes of death of the remaining two — found near lines on the East Coast — not yet confirmed. He said another eagle was electrocuted at Richmond two weeks ago.

Mr Webb said a “significant” number of eagles had died because of powerlines this year.

He said Raptor Refuge was in talks with TasNetworks about reducing the threat to eagles. This includes the installation of “flapper” devices that bundle the wires to prevent raptor electrocution.

“The wheels of progress are turning slowly ... but we’re at a positive junction and I believe the way forward is to work together. The system is not working and we’re losing too many [eagles],” Mr Webb said.

TasNetworks’ annual report for last year revealed 11 wedgetailed eagles died in 2016 after coming into contact with overhead power infrastructure.

A spokeswoman said the utility had been working to reduce raptor electrocutions.

“The installation of flappers and other mitigation measures on power lines is a key component of our threatened bird strategy, which aims to materi-

eagle

ally reduce the risk that our network poses to threatened birds,” she said.

Mr Webb said the refuge had been talking with an endangered wildlife organisation in South Africa about identifying death hot spots.

If you see a dead or injured raptor contact Raptor and Wildlife Refuge at craigraptorrefuge@gmail.com.

found near power poles