There is a growing conflict between animals and humans in the airResearch, in “Science” calls for ‘airspace reserves’ with reduced or restricted human activity (eg flights)
Researchers in Argentina and Wales have written a new paper, showing the increasing extent to which man-made structures, and human activities, are having an impact on creatures that fly. The scientists say growing numbers of skyscrapers, wind turbines, power lines, planes and drones threaten billions of flying birds and animals, huge numbers of which are killed in collisions. The researchers say “airspace reserves” should be created to protect wildlife, by providing airspace zones where human activity is partially or totally restricted to reduce the aerial conflict. These could be temporary zones, for example to help protect birds on their seasonal migrations, or permanent areas, put in place over key habitats. They need to be taken account of in planning for major construction projects. The authors say: “Most of the conservation in reserves and national parks is mainly focussed on the ground or more recently on water. None of them have focussed on the airspace.” Bird strikes with planes cause a risk to humans, so drastic measures are taken to remove birds from the vicinity of airports. The impact of drones is yet to be assessed, but could become a problem.
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‘Airspace reserves’ could protect wildlife
There is a growing conflict between animals and humans in the air“Airspace reserves” should be created to protect wildlife, scientists say.
They warn that growing numbers of skyscrapers, wind turbines, power lines, planes and drones are threatening billions of flying animals.
Researchers in Argentina and Wales have called for airspace zones where human activity is partially or totally restricted to reduce the aerial conflict.
The report is published in the journal Science.
Sergio Lambertucci, from the University of Comahue and the Argentina Research Council (Conicet), said: “Most of the conservation in reserves and national parks is mainly focussed on the ground or more recently on water. None of them have focussed on the airspace.”
Human cost
The skies are becoming increasingly crowded.
Scientists estimate that millions of animals die each year from collisions with tall buildings, power lines and wind turbines.
But the aerial conflict can cause problems for humans too.
The research team, also from Swansea University in Wales, says that bird strikes with planes have killed more than 200 people globally and have damaged thousands of planes.
The impact of drones is yet to be assessed, but the researchers fear they could be a growing problem.
The scientists say that areas of pristine airspace should be created.
These could be temporary zones, for example to help protect birds on their seasonal migrations, or more permanent areas, put in place over key habitats.
The scientists add that the impact on wildlife needs to be taken into account in the planning stages of major construction projects.
Dr Lambertucci said: “If you know all the species that use that area before you build an airport or a building or a wind farm, you will probably be able to reduce a lot of the conflicts.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-32536907
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Science 1 May 2015:
Vol. 348 no. 6234 pp. 502-504
DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa6743
Vol. 348 no. 6234 pp. 502-504
DOI: 10.1126/science.aaa6743
- PERSPECTIVE ECOLOGY
Human-wildlife conflicts in a crowded airspace
+Author Affiliations
Over the past century, humans have increasingly used the airspace for purposes such as transportation, energy generation, and surveillance. Conflict with wildlife may arise from buildings, turbines, power lines, and antennae that project into space and from flying objects such as aircrafts, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, or drones) (see the figure) (1–3). The resulting collision and disturbance risks profoundly affect species ecology and conservation (1, 4, 5). Yet, aerial interactions between humans and wildlife are often neglected when considering the ecological consequences of human activities.
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