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Bird-aircraft collisions on the rise
flying birds
Bird-aircraft collisions occur most often in the first 100 metres from the ground.
Researchers call for airspace reserves to protect wildlife

Collisions between flying animals and aircraft, power lines and wind farms are rising, according to the results of a new study. Researchers are calling for better airspace management to protect wildlife.

As airspace is increasingly used for transportation, energy generation and surveillance, conflict with animals is on the rise.

Such conflict most often occurs within the first 100 metres from the ground, according to researchers from the University of Swansea. Human activity is most concentrated here and it is where most flying animals operate.

It is also the most likely place for bird-aircraft collisions, which have resulted in the deaths of over 200 people and damage to thousands of aircraft. It costs the US alone $900 million every year.

Crowded airspace also disrupts airflow, affecting bird distribution and habitat. Disturbances to aerial micro-organisms such as bacteria and algae also affects cloud chemistry and climate.

Drones are also thought to cause stress and other physiological reactions in some bird species when they fly close to nests. However, researchers say this is a new field of study and only one research project has studied the effects of drones on birds.

Further study of bird movements is needed, as well as better management of airspace, according to the Swansea researchers, who worked with Sergio Lambertucci from the University of Comahue, Argentina.

The team said there is a strong case for creating airspace reserves in areas where human-wildlife conflict is high.

Dr Emily Shepard, from the University of Swansea, said: “One of the main challenges is to increase the awareness of the many ways we are altering the airspace. Appreciation of this, and the steps we can take to mitigate our impacts, should be embedded in planning decisions from local to regional scales, just as it is for other habitat types”. 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.