Foundation to combat electrocution of falcons

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Foundation to combat electrocution of falcons

Abu Dhabi - Electrocution is a major cause of mortality of raptors and other bird species.

By Staff Reporter

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Published: Thu 26 Apr 2018, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Fri 27 Apr 2018, 1:47 AM

 A new foundation with a $1 million (Dh3.67m) fund to protect falcons from electrocution has been launched in Abu Dhabi.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, launched the foundation for the conservation of raptors with a $20 million endowment and has committed initial seed funding of $1 million.
The Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Foundation will fund and execute raptor conservation projects in collaboration with stakeholders. The announcement was made by Mohamed Al Bowardi, managing director of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), when addressing a summit of global conservationists discussing the world's migratory birds currently being held on Yas Island.
The International Association of Falconry stated that an estimated 4,000 endangered Saker Falcons are killed each year in Central Asia alone due to poorly designed power poles. A study, funded by the Environmental Agency - Abu Dhabi conducted with the Eastern Energy System power company in Mongolia, demonstrated the electrocution of 55 Saker falcons per 10 kilometres of power-line per year on a test section. The study also reported that electrocution rates could be significantly reduced at a cost of less than ?18 per power pole.
Commenting on the initiative, Al Bowardi, said: "Electrocution of raptors is a conservation priority that requires an international response. With the growth of power distribution lines, the problem will only get worse. This is more than just an issue of conservation of birds, it requires governments, regulators and private industry to have a coordinated response as birds are vital in the species chain and an indicator of the health of our planet."

Birds often die by electrocution

Electrocution is a major cause of mortality of raptors and other bird species. As the network of power distribution lines grows across the world, the problem is increasing. Technical solutions are available that can remedy the problem, such as hardware designs for new lines and simple remedial work on existing lines.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com


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