Abstract

Abstract Overview

Power lines pose a serious threat to bird populations globally, leading to numerous fatalities through electrocutions and collisions. This issue has grave implications, particularly for threatened species. Despite widespread recognition of this danger in various global locations, data from South America remains sparse.

Study and Findings

• Comprehensive review of scientific and grey literature on bird electrocutions and collisions with power lines in South America.
• Inclusion of new data from citizen science projects, electrical companies, and field monitoring.
• Presence of a noteworthy threat across many areas in South America, impacting multiple species, including critically endangered ones.

Conclusion

The scarcity of detailed data on most affected species and the effectiveness of mitigation strategies in South America is alarming, given its status as a biodiversity hotspot with numerous threatened and endemic bird species. Urgent call for more detailed evaluations, avoidance of power line installations in key areas, and priority for implementing effective mitigation actions. National regulations and retrofitting of dangerous power lines are recommended to mitigate the impact on wildlife.