SmartBirds
Photo: © Svetoslav Spasov
By the end of November 2022, Elektroraspradelenie Yug EAD completed the securing of 948 dangerous conductors on over 300 electric poles in the area of Natura 2000 protected areas “Sinite Kamani – Grebenets” (BG0002058) and “Kamenski Bair” (BG0002059) within order to protect the globally endangered Saker falcon.
The activity is part of the project “Implementation of measures from the Action Plan for the Conservation of the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) in the Republic of Bulgaria (BG16M1OP002-3.027-0007)”, financed by the Operational Programme “Environment”, under priority axis NATURA 2000 and biodiversity, the procedure “Measures to improve the conservation status of birds – 2”.
© Светослав Спасов
Safeguarding activities are carried out to improve the conservation status of the Saker falcon in Bulgaria, through direct measures to protect the species’ habitats, by achieving item 4.7.
from the Action Plan for the Conservation of the Saker falcon (Falco cherrug Gray, 1834) in the Republic of Bulgaria 2013-2022 – Safeguard the sections of risky power lines part of the 20 kV network within a 5 km range around the occupied nests.
To determine the specific poles, experts from BSPB conducted a targeted field survey of the power lines. Together with experts from Elektroraspradelenie Yug EAD / KEC Sliven, they toured the lines and compiled an exact list of the type of poles to be secured.
© Светослав Спасов
During the inspection, the data on the location, the type of the pole and the condition of the relevant power line were compared.
One of the main threats not only to the Saker falcon but to many other bird species, is electrocution mortality when landing on unsecured utility poles.
It is possible for the bird to touch live wires and grounded parts of the pole at the same time, causing a short circuit, which not only takes its life, but also causes a power outage.
© Светослав Спасов
The project is funded by the Operational Programme “Environment”, under priority axis NATURA 2000 and biodiversity, the procedure “Measures to improve the conservation status of birds – 2”, co-financed by the European Union through the European Structural and Investment funds.
