SmartBirds
© Svetoslav Spasov/BSPB
Between August 2022 and November 2023, Elektrorazpredelenie Yug EAD completed activities to secure the most dangerous electric poles for the Imperial Eagles in the territories occupied by the species. A total of 2,511 electric conductors on 837 poles of 20 kV were insulated with various insulating materials, according to approved technical specifications. The insulated poles are of Type 1, Type 2, and Type 4 – some of the most dangerous not only for the Imperial Eagles but also for many other bird species inhabiting the same territories.
This activity is part of the BSPB project “Implementation of measures from the Action Plan for the Conservation of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in the Republic of Bulgaria” (BG16M1OP002-3.027-0005), funded by the Operational Programme “Environment”, under priority axis NATURA 2000 and biodiversity, procedure “Measures to improve the conservation status of birds – 2”.
© Svetoslav Spasov/BSPB
The BSPB team provided ongoing expert assistance before and during the installation of insulating materials to ensure the safety of the Imperial Eagles. BSPB conducted on-site inspections of the activities carried out by EVN South to secure the risky power lines in the territories of the Imperial Eagles and approved the work without remarks.
Safety activities are carried out to improve the conservation status of the Imperial Eagle in Bulgaria by preserving the species’ locations and habitats. This specifically involves implementing measures 2.6.1 and 2.6.2 from the “Action Plan for the Conservation of the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Bulgaria 2013–2022″.
One of the main causes of mortality in the Imperial Eagle is the risk of an electric shock when landing on unprotected poles from the power distribution network. The bird may simultaneously touch the live conductors and grounded parts of the pole, causing a short circuit. This not only takes its life but also disrupts the electricity supply.
© Светослав Спасов/БДЗП
The project is funded by the Operational Programme “Environment”, under priority axis NATURA 2000, and biodiversity, procedure “Measures to improve the conservation status of birds – 2”, co-financed by the European Union through the European Structural and Investment funds.
