Electricity one of the crucial needs of the 21st century all over the world. Africa is a develop
ing continent, therefore there is a high need of power supply for its economic development.
The power production and infrastructural unfortunately have their own particular negatives in nature. Most of the power lines in Southern Africa are above-ground and therefore faced with many challenges such as veld fires, wild animals and lightning strikes. On the other hand, the power lines pose danger to nature, such as animal electrocutions and collisions, especially birds.
The bird-powerline issue have particularly received extra attention. Some of them are endangered species, making bird mortality due to power-lines a crisis. Some birds construct their nests in/on power line structures, and this can cause power outages if the nests are built close to or on sensitive wires. Streams of bird excreta (known as bird streamers) may cause flash-overs The nests are often built from grass, which catches fire easily and burn down the poles.
These issues lead to huge economic losses, especially with the maintenance and repair costs.
In Southern Africa, two bird species were identified to be highly problematic. They are, the Red-billed buffalo weaver (scientific name Bubalornis niger) and the Sociable weaver (Philatairus socius). Electrical companies in Southern Africa are in desperate search of the most cost effective and efficient mitigation measures that they can employ, to significantly reduce or eliminate the power-line failures caused by the nesting behaviours of these birds.
Any suggestions on how to solve this crisis?
All ideas are welcome, and feel free to post any content that you may feel is related or important to the issue.
Looking forward to hearing from you all.
Yours truly,
Julia A
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