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In November, a team of experts from the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and Green Balkans attended a conference organized by the Hungarian electric company MAVIR. The conference focused on reducing the risks of electric shocks and collisions with power lines, with a specific emphasis on the Saker Falcon. These threats are significant for the species and contribute to increased mortality rates.
During the conference, we showcased the work and achievements of BSPB in securing power lines that pose risks to birds in Bulgaria through various methods and techniques. Since 2009, these activities have been carried out in collaboration with electricity distribution companies, resulting in over 10,000 dangerous electric poles being secured. Over the next four years, we plan to secure an additional 11,000 poles.
We also highlighted our partnership with the national Electricity System Operator (ESO). Through collaboration with ESO, we have installed more than 300 nesting platforms for the Saker Falcon on electric poles over the years. Of these, 48 platforms have been installed in key habitats for the species as part of the "Life for Falcons" project.
Together with energy sector experts, we exchanged information and experiences on the development of technologies such as bird diverters, insulators, and other systems designed to reduce or prevent bird mortality caused by electric shocks or collisions. Conservation experts from Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia shared their experiences and results from implementing measures to protect the Saker Falcon, as well as the challenges they face.
Following the conference, a working meeting was held with representatives of MME/BirdLife Hungary, who are implementing conservation measures for the Saker Falcon under the LIFE Saker Roads project. During this meeting, we exchanged experiences on implementing key conservation measures for the species, such as satellite tracking, the installation of nesting platforms in suitable habitats, collaboration with pigeon breeders to reduce conflicts with birds of prey, and habitat management.
The meeting also included discussions about the upcoming international Saker Falcon conference, planned as part of the project and scheduled to take place within the next two years.
Photos: Márton Horváth