Impact of Windmills and Power lines on Birds: A case study at Porbandar Taluka, Gujarat-India

Abstract

A great number of birds are killed each year through electrocutions and collisions with power lines and windmills globally. Windmills and associated power lines located near some important wetlands (Important Bird Area) of Porbandar taluka, Gujarat state is surveyed from May 2016 to January 2017. During present study, total 111 species of birds belong to 42 families, which include 11 IUCN threatened species (4 VU, 7 NT). Of all birds 73 species (66%) represent aquatic and 39 species (35%) migratory, this indicates the ecological importance of the landscape. The results show that collision and electrocution of birds by power lines and windmills is of conservation concern in Porbandar with Pelicans, Storks, Cranes, Pea-fowls and Raptors as the most affected species. Preliminary findings of this study confirm the possible impact of wind turbines and Power lines on birds in Porbandar Taluka.