1999

Among the 37 speciesof birds of prey (28 falconiforms and 9 strigiforms) that breed or winter
regularly in western Europe, at least 30 (24 falconiforms and 6 strigiforms)have been killed on powerlines, either through electrocutions or, to a lesser extent, through collisions with electric wires.

Mortality on medium voltage distribution lines plays an important role in the global mortality of certain eagles, especially among juveniles (e.g., Spanish Imperial Eagle [Aquila (heliaca)adalbertz]in Spain and Bonelli's Eagle [Hieraaetusfasciatus]in Spain and southern France) and is responsible for the general decline of these species. Powerlines also have an important impact on some common birds of prey, both regionally (e.g., EurasianEagle Owl [Bubobuboin the southern FrenchAlps) and locally (e.g., Eurasian Kestrel [Falcotinnunculus]in different areas in France). Different devices have been developed to assure a better isolation between electric wires and pylons and to prevent birds from perching on electric poles, but the most efficient protection is to bury the lines. Countries such the Netherlands (which have alreadyachieved this aim), Belgium, Germany and the
U.K.