Infrastructure
The construction of infrastructure can become a threat to birds by fragmenting their habitats or increasing the risks of collision and electrocution.
However, with proper planning and ecological design, it is possible to integrate solutions that minimize these impacts.
Linear infrastructure:
urban and rural roads; power distribution lines; pipelines; telecommunication towers/lines, power generation.
THREATS
THREATS OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES - They can become physical barriers that encourage fragmentation or loss of bird habitat.
- They may constitute a collision or electrocution hazard.
- Light and noise pollution can disrupt bird migration, resting, and feeding behaviors.
Spatial planning and green design or renovation provides opportunities to integrate bird conservation through:
- Selection of routes that minimize or avoid negative impact on their natural habitats.
- Compensation actions such as restoration of degraded habitats and conservation of protected areas.
- Construction of overpasses, footbridges or bridges to allow wildlife to safely cross roads and railways.
- Revegetation of road and railroad margins.
- Design of power lines and power towers with features that reduce the risk of electrocution and bird collisions, such as: adequate insulation, safe perches and visual signage.
Urban infrastructure:
buildings, educational/health facilities, etc.
THREATS
THREATS OPPORTUNITIES
OPPORTUNITIES - They can lead to the fragmentation or loss of bird habitat.
- They can be a collision hazard, especially glass surfaces, as they can be mistaken for the sky or natural reflections.
- Light and noise pollution can disrupt bird behaviors at night, resulting in changes in migration routes, exhaustion, collisions, and difficulty finding food and shelter.
- Air and water pollution in urban environments threatens bird health.
- In urban areas, other wildlife competes with birds for resources such as food and nesting sites.
- The mere presence of humans can disturb and stress the birds, diminishing their ability to feed, breed and rest.
- Green roofs, vertical gardens, bioretention areas, and natural drainage systems provide habitats for birds and help mitigate pollution and the urban heat island effect.
- The incorporation of patterned glass, textured facades and less reflective materials, as well as the installation of deterrents, such as visible signs or opaque window film, reduce the likelihood of collisions.
- The design and implementation of urban green spaces with areas with native vegetation and clean water zones act as refuge areas for breeding and resting.
- Actions for the restoration of degraded areas within urban environments such as revegetation of river banks, rehabilitation of urban wetlands or the creation of green corridors.
- Education and awareness of the importance of bird conservation.
- Collaboration and citizen adoption of sustainable practices.
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