Eagle Owl Bubo bubo and power line interactions in the Italian Alps

Diego Rubolini; Enrico Bassi; Giuseppe Bogliani; Paolo Galeotti; Roberto Garavaglia

doi:10.1017/S0959270901000363

Abstract

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We reviewed the importance of power lines as a cause of mortality for Eagle Owl in the Italian Alps. Power lines were the most important cause of unnatural mortality for this species, accounting for over 50% of recorded casualties. The number of reported dead owls tended to be higher in September–October, suggesting an influence on juvenile dispersal. Furthermore, the significance of power lines as a cause of mortality increased over time, being lower in the 1960–1980 period than in 1981–1999. Electrocution, which usually takes place at medium-voltage (15–30 kV) electricity poles, accounted for the vast majority of casualties. We suggest some protective measures that may be put into practice in the proximity of Eagle Owl breeding territories.

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Eagle Owl Bubo bubo and power line interactions in the Italian Alps

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