Avian electrocutions in Western Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Avian electrocutions are regularly documented worldwide. Electrocutions are thought to affect avian populations in Asia, but regional research has not been widely disseminated. In this study, we sought to identify whether power lines in rural India were involved in avian electrocutions and, if so, to identify at-risk species and problematic configurations, and to develop a predictive model. To collect data, we visited power poles to search for avian carcasses. We recorded six variables at each pole: line voltage, insulator configuration, conductor separation, jumper count, surrounding habitat, and presence of an avian carcass. We used multivariate logistic regression to model the probability that an avian carcass was found. We surveyed 15 line segments supported by 675 poles, and found 162 carcasses. We found carcasses of five raptor species, including Eurasian Kestrel (n = 5; Falco tinnunculus) and White-eyed Buzzard (n = 4; Butastur teesa), though passerine carcasses were more numerous. All modeled variables contributed to the probability of finding a carcass; however, only pin height and jumper count were important contributors to the averaged model. Specifically, carcasses were most common beneath poles supporting jumpers and beneath tangent poles with low center pins. This is similar to another recently completed electrocution model from California, U.S.A., where jumpers and grounding were key predictive variables. There is an ongoing effort to provide electric power to all rural areas in India. Unless poles are retrofitted to minimize electrocution risk, avian electrocutions are likely to increase as power delivery expands. With the simple model we provide, personnel with minimal training can report the results of surveys quantifying electrocution risk, and help utilities prioritize retrofitting dangerous poles. © 2013 The Raptor Research Foundation, Inc.