SmartBirds
© Vladimir Dobreb/BSPB
Dangerous power lines are among the major threats to Egyptian Vultures and other large birds of prey. To reduce the risk of electrocution, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) continues its systematic mapping, risk assessment and prioritisation of hazardous electricity infrastructure in the Eastern Rhodopes – one of the most important breeding areas for the species in Bulgaria.
As part of its activities in 2026, BSPB experts used existing data on the electricity distribution network and a specialised algorithm that assesses electricity poles according to the risk they pose to Egyptian Vultures. Based on this information, together with data on newly mapped infrastructure near the species’ breeding territories, approximately 630 poles were selected for field inspection.
Following the verification and updating of their technical characteristics, 590 poles were identified for insulation. The collected data was submitted to Electrodistribution South AD (ER South, part of the EVN Group) to support the planning of the necessary measures under the LIFE project “Safe Grid for Birds in Southeast Europe”. An additional 164 electricity poles were mapped in the Eastern Rhodopes during the year, further expanding the database of the electricity distribution network in the region.
At the same time, field research was carried out to assess the effectiveness of already insulated poles. In June and July, a student from the Netherlands conducted transect surveys beneath insulated and non-insulated power lines to compare bird mortality, with a particular focus on vultures. The results are expected in January–February 2027.
Reducing these risks is particularly important in light of the positive results recorded for Egyptian Vultures in 2026. A total of 35 occupied territories and 35 breeding pairs were recorded in Bulgaria, while 36 chicks hatched in the wild – the highest number since 2008. The breeding season was particularly successful in the Eastern Rhodopes, where 10 pairs each raised two chicks.
© Dimitar Gradinarov/BSPB
Mapping and insulating hazardous electricity infrastructure are essential steps towards reducing bird mortality and ensuring a safer environment for Egyptian Vultures and other bird species.
This activity was implemented under the project EP for Birds LIFE (Project 101216021 — LIFE24-NAT-BG-EP for Birds LIFE) cofounded by the LIFE program of the European Union.
