In a region of northern India with high renewable energy potential, power lines pose a threat to the extremely rare Hindu bustards. The cables are dangerous for the heavy birds, which are threatened with extinction because they often see them too late and their weight makes them slow to avoid obstacles.
The relatively heavy birds live mainly in the Jaisalmer district in the state of Rajasthan, an arid region that is particularly suitable for wind and solar farms, according to the Wildlife Institute of India. Clean energy is urgently needed in the country.
Vision limited by side eyes
High-voltage power lines are so dangerous for the birds because they are often seen too late, explains Sumit Dookia of GGS Indraprastha University in New Delhi and the ERDS Foundation, which works to protect the Hindu bustards (Ardeotis nigriceps) in the Jaisalmer district . The birds’ eyes are on the sides of their heads, which limits their vision, he explains.
Moreover, with their weight of 15 to 18 kilograms, they could only avoid obstacles slowly. Volunteers from his organization repeatedly find injured and killed birds with broken bones and burns, Dookia said. In addition, animals are attacked by stray dogs and cats.
There are only about 200 copies left!
According to the environmental organization WWF, there are only about 200 of these majestic birds left. They live in India and neighboring Pakistan. Just five decades ago, there were more than 1,200 in India alone, according to the Wildlife Institute of India.
India’s highest court has been dealing with animals and power lines for several years. But the Ministry of Renewable Energy and electricity companies argue that laying the lines underground is too expensive and that there are sometimes technical problems. Companies are now increasingly installing new electricity lines in neighborhoods where Hindu steps are less common, according to Dookia. In addition, existing lines would have reflectors that would make it easier for the birds to see.
The breeding program aims to save the bird species
In addition, the Ministry of Environment, the government of the state of Rajasthan and the Wildlife Institute of India are jointly trying to raise Hindu bustards in a breeding program, which they plan to release into the wild in about 20 to 25 years.
But environmental activist Dookia is concerned about the future of the animals. Because their living space continues to shrink – in view of agriculture, irrigation canals, industrialization and mining. “It is a shy bird that wants to stay at least a kilometer away from people,” says Dookia. “And that is becoming increasingly difficult.”
Source: Krone
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