Threats to Birds of Prey and other Wildlife

Electrocution and collision with power structures are the two biggest threats to wildlife with power lines increasingly built through protected areas that are wildliferich. If badly designed, these power lines are deadly to wildlife. Each death is avoidable. With minor changes, safe options can be installed at the outset. “Electrocution on power lines is one of the biggest threats to eagles in Kenya,” said Sidney Shema, a wildlife biologist with a keen interest in birds of prey who manages the Kenya Bird Map project. “Retrofitting with plastic hoods, for example, can make electricity lines safer for wildlife and save money by preventing blackouts associated with bird/wildlife electrocution. Making Kenya's power grid safer for wildlife should be among the major conservation priorities as the country develops.” Swara will feature an update on what is being done to address this problem in our next issue.