January 6 (BTA) - The second stage of field research under a project to protect endangered bird species from power lines in Natura 2000 areas in Western Bulgaria was completed at the end of November 2019, electricity distributor CEZ Razpredelenie Bulgaria AD reported.

During the past season, research focused on several Natura 2000 protected areas: Ponor, Rayanovtsi, Mesta, Slavyanka and Kresna. Every month, experts surveyed 160 km of power lines which posed potential risks to birds.

Forty-seven birds of 18 species were found killed by power lines in Western Bulgaria in 2019; the largest number was detected in the Mesta Protected Area. Twenty-eight of these birds were killed by electric shock and the remaining 19 died on impact after running into the power lines. After the data are analyzed in greater detail, high-risk power lines will be made safe for birds.

CEZ has begun to implement technical measures for making high-risk power poles safe for birds. Such power poles have been identified during field work since 2018. A total of 520 power poles have been made safe so far.

Fieldwork will last three years. The zones of conflict between birds and the power grid will be remedied in stages.

The project is being co-financed under the EU Life Programme and is being implemented together with the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds. Its duration expires at the end of 2022. NV/VE


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