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Robert N Lehman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the state of the art in raptor Electrocution research a global review
Biological Conservation, 2007Co-Authors: Robert N Lehman, Patricia L Kennedy, Julie A SavidgeAbstract:We systematically reviewed the raptor Electrocution literature to evaluate study designs and methods used in raptor Electrocution research, mitigation, and monitoring, emphasizing original research published in English. Specifically, we wondered if three decades of effort to reduce raptor Electrocutions has had positive effects. The majority of literature examined came from North America, western Europe, and South Africa. In spite of intensive and often sustained effort by industry and governments across three continents for 30 years, reductions in the incidence of Electrocution have been demonstrated in only a few studies. Reliable rate estimates of Electrocution mortality generally are unavailable, with some exceptions. Nearly half of 110 studies we analyzed in detail were retrospective reviews of historical mortality records, banding data, or results of necropsies on dead birds received at pathology and veterinary facilities. Among prospective studies, less than half used unbiased approaches to sampling and many did not provide enough detail to assess the sampling design used. At this time, few researchers can demonstrate the reliability of standardized retrofitting procedures or the effectiveness of monitoring techniques. Future progress in reducing raptor mortalities on power lines will benefit from properly designed studies that generate rate estimates of mortality, address biasing factors, and include predictions concerning risk and techniques to reduce risk that can be tested in the field or laboratory.
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raptor Electrocution on power lines current issues and outlook
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2001Co-Authors: Robert N LehmanAbstract:Electrocution on power lines is one of many human-caused mortality factors that affect raptors. Cost-effective and relatively simple raptor-safe standards for power line modification and construction have been available for over 25 years. During the 1970s and early 1 980s, electric industry efforts to reduce raptor Electrocutions were very coordinated and proactive, but predictions about resolving the problem were overly optimistic. Today, raptors continue to be electrocuted, possibly in large numbers. The Electrocution problem has not been resolved, partly because of the sheer number of potentially lethal power poles in use and partly because Electrocution risks may be more pervasive and sometimes less conspicuous than once believed. Also, responses to the problem by individual utilities have not been uniform, and deregulation of the electric industry during the 1 990s may have deflected attention from Electrocution issues. To control raptor Electrocutions in the future, the industry must increase information sharing and technology transfer, increase efforts to retrofit lethal power poles, and above all ensure that every new and replacement line constructed incorporates raptor-safe standards at all phases of development. Finally, responsibility for the Electrocution problem must be shared. Federal, state, and local governments, academic institutions, the conservation community, and the consumer all can play critical roles in an effort that will, by necessity, extend well into the new century.
Richard E Harness - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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power pole density and avian Electrocution risk in the western united states
Journal of Raptor Research, 2020Co-Authors: James F Dwyer, Brian D Gerber, Paul Petersen, William E Armstrong, Richard E HarnessAbstract:Avian Electrocutions on power poles affect raptor populations globally. Mitigation strategies in the USA are typically bottom-up, combining risk assessments for individual poles into a utility-specific avian protection plan. This approach is usually reactive, relying on incidental documentation of Electrocutions for initiation, and can allow uncoordinated mitigation strategies among adjacent utilities. A top-down strategy may help solve both problems if maps identifying where distribution power poles occur were available for comparison to range maps for species at risk of Electrocution. Range maps exist but pole location data are rarely publicly available in the USA. Pole-density models were previously created for Colorado and Wyoming, the Great Basin, and the Columbia Plateau because pole density can serve as a surrogate for Electrocution risk. We used each of these models to predict pole densities throughout four additional areas: the Northwestern Plains, Southwestern Plains, Southwestern Plateaus, and parts of New Mexico not included in other modeled areas. We also applied the Colorado and Wyoming model to portions of the Uinta Basin and Wyoming Basin projecting from Colorado and Wyoming into Idaho and Utah. The Colorado and Wyoming model fit all areas better than other models, except parts of New Mexico not included in other modeled areas, where the Great Basin model fit best. Our model predictions facilitate assessment of pole density across much (2,573,746 km2) of the western USA. To assess whether the models are useful in predicting Electrocutions, we compared predicted pole densities throughout White Sands Missile Range to locations of 59 avian Electrocutions. Electrocutions occurred at low rates in cells with low predicted pole densities, and at higher rates in cells with moderate and high predicted pole densities. Because the models do not include species-specific information, they have the potential to be applicable to the conservation of a wide variety of species.
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retrofitting power poles to prevent Electrocution of translocated ridgway s hawks buteo ridgwayi
The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, 2019Co-Authors: James F Dwyer, Thomas I Hayes, Russell Thorstrom, Richard E HarnessAbstract:Abstract: A translocation program for Critically Endangered Ridgway’s Hawks (Buteo ridgwayi) in the Dominican Republic initially met with limited success because hawks were being electrocuted on power poles around the translocation site. Many poles are now retrofitted and Electrocutions have been drastically reduced. However, some Electrocutions continue to occur. To understand why, we examined 150 retrofitted poles around the reintroduction site. We found 96 (64%) were retrofitted correctly. The remaining poles included mitigation plan errors, application errors, and improvisation errors, either singly or in combination. These errors need to be corrected to maximize the success of the translocation program. Given that the success of the reintroduction program for California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus) also was initially undermined by Electrocution mortality, as are conservation programs for other raptor species of concern, our findings demonstrate the need to fully understand and mitigate Electrocution risks when designing translocation, reintroduction, or conservation programs for species that perch on power poles. Given that the pole constructions we observed in the Dominican Republic also occur elsewhere in the Caribbean, we suggest that other endemic, resident, and migratory species may also be sustaining preventable Electrocution mortality within the region. Keywords: Buteo ridgwayi, Dominican Republic, Electrocution, Hispaniola, mortality, power line, Ridgway’s Hawk Resumen: Modernizacion de antenas electricas para evitar la electrocucion de individuos translocados de Gavilan de La Espanola (Buteo ridgwayi)—El programa de translocacion para Gavilan de La Espanola (Buteo ridgwayi), En Peligro Critico en la Republica Dominicana, tuvo un exito limitado inicialmente porque los halcones estaban siendo electrocutados en las antenas electricas alrededor del sitio de translocacion. Muchas de estas antenas estan ahora reacondicionadas y las electrocuciones se han reducido drasticamente. Sin embargo, continuan ocurriendo algunas. Para entender por que, examinamos 150 postes modernizados alrededor del sitio de reintroduccion. Encontramos que 96 (64%) se modernizaron correctamente. Los restantes incluian errores del plan de mitigacion, errores de instalacion y errores de improvisacion, ya sea individualmente o combinados. Estos errores deben corregirse para maximizar el exito del programa de translocacion. Dado que el exito del programa de reintroduccion para los condores de California (Gymnogyps californianus) tambien se vio afectado inicialmente por la mortalidad por electrocucion; nuestros hallazgos demuestran, al igual que los programas de conservacion para otras especies de rapaces de interes, la necesidad de comprender completamente y mitigar los riesgos de electrocucion al disenar los programas de conservacion, reintroduccion y translocacion para las especies que se posan en las antenas electricas. Como las construcciones de este tipo de antenas observadas en Republica Dominicana, tambien se llevan a cabo en otras partes del Caribe, sugerimos que la mortalidad por electrocucion de otras especies endemicas, residentes y migratorias en la region puede ser prevenible. Palabras clave: Buteo ridgwayi, electrocucion, Gavilan de La Espanola, La Espanola, linea electrica, mortalidad, Republica Dominicana Resume: Equipement des poteaux electriques pour empecher l’Electrocution des Buses de Ridgway (Buteo ridgwayi) ayant ete transferees—Un programme de transfert de Buses de Ridgway (Buteo ridgwayi), une espece En danger critique d’extinction en Republique dominicaine, a d’abord connu un succes limite, car les buses s’electrocutaient sur les poteaux electriques autour du site de transfert. De nombreux poteaux sont maintenant equipes et les Electrocutions ont ete considerablement reduites. Cependant, des Electrocutions continuent de se produire. Pour comprendre pourquoi, nous avons examine 150 poteaux equipes autour du site de reintroduction. Nous avons trouve que 96 (64 %) poteaux avaient ete correctement equipes. Les poteaux restants presentaient des erreurs du plan d’attenuation, d’installation ou d’autres types, isolement ou en combinaison. Ces erreurs doivent etre corrigees pour optimiser le succes du programme de transfert. Le succes du programme de reintroduction des Condors de Californie (Gymnogyps californianus) avait d’abord ete reduit par la mortalite par Electrocution, tout comme les programmes de conservation d’autres especes de rapaces, et nos constatations demontrent la necessite de bien comprendre les risques lies a l’Electrocution et de les attenuer lors de la conception des programmes de transfert, de reintroduction et de conservation des especes qui se posent sur les poteaux electriques. Les types de poteaux que nous avons observes en Republique dominicaine etant egalement presents ailleurs dans la Caraibe, nous estimons que d’autres especes endemiques, sedentaires ou migratrices dans la region subissent egalement une mortalite par Electrocution qui pourrait etre evitee. Mots cles: Buteo ridgwayi, Buse de Ridgway, Electrocution, Hispaniola, ligne electrique, mortalite, Republique dominicaine
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Documenting and reducing avian Electrocutions in Hungary: a conservation contribution from citizen scientists
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2018Co-Authors: Iván Demeter, James F Dwyer, Márton Horváth, Károly Nagy, Zoltán Görögh, Péter Tóth, János Bagyura, Szabolcs Solt, András Kovács, Richard E HarnessAbstract:ABSTRACT Electrocutions of birds on power structures is a global conservation concern that has not been thoroughly reported in all areas where it occurs. Here we provide information from citizen scientists describing 3,400 avian carcasses of at least 79 species found at the bases of 57,486 electrical pylons in Hungary. Of these carcasses, 3% were found at the bases of pylons retrofitted to reduce Electrocution risk. On average, one carcass was found per 15 nonretrofitted pylons surveyed compared one carcass per 89 retrofitted pylons, an 83% difference in frequency. Electrocutions included 4 species of conservation concern in Hungary: Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus), European Rollers (Coracias garrulous), Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug), and Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca). Only 3 of 104 (3%) Electrocutions involving these species occurred on retrofitted pylons. Across birds of various sizes (small ≤25 cm long, medium 26–49 cm long, and large ≥50 cm long), differences in Electrocution frequen...
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Raptor Electrocutions and Power Line Collisions
Birds of Prey, 2018Co-Authors: Duncan Eccleston, Richard E HarnessAbstract:Electrocutions and collisions of birds with power lines have long represented an important worldwide conservation issue. Raptors such as eagles are susceptible to Electrocution on distribution power lines because they are large birds and because certain species frequently perch or nest on power poles. Electrocution is an important cause of population declines among a number of sensitive raptor species. Electrocution risk is distributed unevenly among poles; for any pole, Electrocution risk is a function of pole hazard (spacing between energized and grounded components) and exposure (pole utilization) by susceptible species. Habitat, sex, age, weather, and behavioral factors also play an important role in Electrocution. Electrocution risk can be successfully mitigated by increasing separation between hazardous contacts, adding insulation, or attempting to redirect birds to safer locations. Statistical models are useful for identifying high risk poles, where mitigation can provide maximum conservation benefit. Raptor collisions with power lines also have been documented globally, and may involve sensitive species. Raptor collision risk appears to be elevated where lines bisect travel corridors, particularly when individuals are distracted by courtship, territorial defense, or hunting, or visibility is reduced by weather or low light. Collision can be reduced using devices increasing line visibility. Although numerous methods for reducing or eliminating Electrocutions and collisions have been developed, published, and successfully implemented, raptor Electrocutions and collisions persist. This chapter addresses common problems and solutions associated with raptor Electrocutions and collisions.
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power pole density informs spatial prioritization for mitigating avian Electrocution
Journal of Wildlife Management, 2016Co-Authors: James F Dwyer, Richard E Harness, Brian D Gerber, Paul Petersen, Melissa A Landon, Daryl D Austin, Brian Woodbridge, Gary E Williams, Duncan EcclestonAbstract:Raptor and corvid Electrocutions cause continental conservation concerns for breeding, migrating, and wintering birds. Although concerns are widespread, mitigation is implemented primarily at local scales of individual electric utilities. By not considering landscape-scale patterns, conservation strategies may fail to focus mitigation where efforts are needed most. To enable resource managers to consider Electrocution risk at larger scales, we developed a regional model of distribution power pole (pole) density in a grid of 1-km2 cells throughout Colorado and Wyoming. To do so, we obtained data on pole locations from a sample of electric utilities covering 31% of Colorado and Wyoming, and developed a predictive model of poles throughout the remainder of the 2 states. Pole density was influenced by road lengths, number of oil and gas wells, slope, development, and land cover. Poles were densest in areas with high road lengths, high numbers of wells, and relatively flat terrain, and in areas developed for agriculture or human residences. When model predictions are viewed together with species-specific habitat maps, locations where high pole densities overlap habitat suggest areas where mitigating Electrocution risk could be prioritized. Communication between resource managers and local utilities could then clarify the poles that caused the highest risk to raptors from Electrocution. Thus, the model provides a framework for systematic spatial prioritization in support of regional conservation planning to minimize Electrocution of raptors and corvids. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
Mahesh M. Trangadia - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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profile of deaths due to Electrocution a retrospective study
Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, 2012Co-Authors: B. D. Gupta, Rahul A. Mehta, Mahesh M. TrangadiaAbstract:We carried out a retrospective analysis of deaths due to Electrocution from the medico-legal deaths reported to our institution. Majority of the victims were males belonging to the age group of 11–50 years. Almost all deaths were accidental and most of them were concentrated in the period of monsoon implicating the important role of wetness in causing these deaths. In contrast to the studies done in the West, bathtubs, heaters or hair dryers were not involved in any of the deaths. The mortality rate due to Electrocution was significantly higher at 4.4 per one lakhs (100000) population in the present study as against the figures of 0.94 and 0.14 from Bulgaria and Canada respectively. Most of the deaths were either instantaneous or immediate and most of the deaths were preventable by Electrocution. It signifies that people living at home did not have elementary knowledge of risks of Electrocution; therefore awareness about use of good quality electric appliances and cables is the need of the hour.
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Suicide by Electrocution
Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine, 2009Co-Authors: B. D. Gupta, Rahul A. Mehta, Mahesh M. Trangadia, Pp VaghelaAbstract:Deaths due to Electrocution are not uncommon in this part of the world. Most of such deaths are accidental in nature. We report a case of suicide by Electrocution. The deceased himself was an electrician. His occupation must have prompted him to use such method of committing suicide. It is also obvious from the fact that he rightly used ‘black’ and ‘red’ wires to electrocute himself. Most of the suicides by Electrocution world over are committed by persons who had knowledge of electricity. In India it is probably a second reported case of suicide by Electrocution. Because of rarity of the suicide by Electrocution in this region case is reported.
James F Dwyer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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power pole density and avian Electrocution risk in the western united states
Journal of Raptor Research, 2020Co-Authors: James F Dwyer, Brian D Gerber, Paul Petersen, William E Armstrong, Richard E HarnessAbstract:Avian Electrocutions on power poles affect raptor populations globally. Mitigation strategies in the USA are typically bottom-up, combining risk assessments for individual poles into a utility-specific avian protection plan. This approach is usually reactive, relying on incidental documentation of Electrocutions for initiation, and can allow uncoordinated mitigation strategies among adjacent utilities. A top-down strategy may help solve both problems if maps identifying where distribution power poles occur were available for comparison to range maps for species at risk of Electrocution. Range maps exist but pole location data are rarely publicly available in the USA. Pole-density models were previously created for Colorado and Wyoming, the Great Basin, and the Columbia Plateau because pole density can serve as a surrogate for Electrocution risk. We used each of these models to predict pole densities throughout four additional areas: the Northwestern Plains, Southwestern Plains, Southwestern Plateaus, and parts of New Mexico not included in other modeled areas. We also applied the Colorado and Wyoming model to portions of the Uinta Basin and Wyoming Basin projecting from Colorado and Wyoming into Idaho and Utah. The Colorado and Wyoming model fit all areas better than other models, except parts of New Mexico not included in other modeled areas, where the Great Basin model fit best. Our model predictions facilitate assessment of pole density across much (2,573,746 km2) of the western USA. To assess whether the models are useful in predicting Electrocutions, we compared predicted pole densities throughout White Sands Missile Range to locations of 59 avian Electrocutions. Electrocutions occurred at low rates in cells with low predicted pole densities, and at higher rates in cells with moderate and high predicted pole densities. Because the models do not include species-specific information, they have the potential to be applicable to the conservation of a wide variety of species.
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retrofitting power poles to prevent Electrocution of translocated ridgway s hawks buteo ridgwayi
The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, 2019Co-Authors: James F Dwyer, Thomas I Hayes, Russell Thorstrom, Richard E HarnessAbstract:Abstract: A translocation program for Critically Endangered Ridgway’s Hawks (Buteo ridgwayi) in the Dominican Republic initially met with limited success because hawks were being electrocuted on power poles around the translocation site. Many poles are now retrofitted and Electrocutions have been drastically reduced. However, some Electrocutions continue to occur. To understand why, we examined 150 retrofitted poles around the reintroduction site. We found 96 (64%) were retrofitted correctly. The remaining poles included mitigation plan errors, application errors, and improvisation errors, either singly or in combination. These errors need to be corrected to maximize the success of the translocation program. Given that the success of the reintroduction program for California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus) also was initially undermined by Electrocution mortality, as are conservation programs for other raptor species of concern, our findings demonstrate the need to fully understand and mitigate Electrocution risks when designing translocation, reintroduction, or conservation programs for species that perch on power poles. Given that the pole constructions we observed in the Dominican Republic also occur elsewhere in the Caribbean, we suggest that other endemic, resident, and migratory species may also be sustaining preventable Electrocution mortality within the region. Keywords: Buteo ridgwayi, Dominican Republic, Electrocution, Hispaniola, mortality, power line, Ridgway’s Hawk Resumen: Modernizacion de antenas electricas para evitar la electrocucion de individuos translocados de Gavilan de La Espanola (Buteo ridgwayi)—El programa de translocacion para Gavilan de La Espanola (Buteo ridgwayi), En Peligro Critico en la Republica Dominicana, tuvo un exito limitado inicialmente porque los halcones estaban siendo electrocutados en las antenas electricas alrededor del sitio de translocacion. Muchas de estas antenas estan ahora reacondicionadas y las electrocuciones se han reducido drasticamente. Sin embargo, continuan ocurriendo algunas. Para entender por que, examinamos 150 postes modernizados alrededor del sitio de reintroduccion. Encontramos que 96 (64%) se modernizaron correctamente. Los restantes incluian errores del plan de mitigacion, errores de instalacion y errores de improvisacion, ya sea individualmente o combinados. Estos errores deben corregirse para maximizar el exito del programa de translocacion. Dado que el exito del programa de reintroduccion para los condores de California (Gymnogyps californianus) tambien se vio afectado inicialmente por la mortalidad por electrocucion; nuestros hallazgos demuestran, al igual que los programas de conservacion para otras especies de rapaces de interes, la necesidad de comprender completamente y mitigar los riesgos de electrocucion al disenar los programas de conservacion, reintroduccion y translocacion para las especies que se posan en las antenas electricas. Como las construcciones de este tipo de antenas observadas en Republica Dominicana, tambien se llevan a cabo en otras partes del Caribe, sugerimos que la mortalidad por electrocucion de otras especies endemicas, residentes y migratorias en la region puede ser prevenible. Palabras clave: Buteo ridgwayi, electrocucion, Gavilan de La Espanola, La Espanola, linea electrica, mortalidad, Republica Dominicana Resume: Equipement des poteaux electriques pour empecher l’Electrocution des Buses de Ridgway (Buteo ridgwayi) ayant ete transferees—Un programme de transfert de Buses de Ridgway (Buteo ridgwayi), une espece En danger critique d’extinction en Republique dominicaine, a d’abord connu un succes limite, car les buses s’electrocutaient sur les poteaux electriques autour du site de transfert. De nombreux poteaux sont maintenant equipes et les Electrocutions ont ete considerablement reduites. Cependant, des Electrocutions continuent de se produire. Pour comprendre pourquoi, nous avons examine 150 poteaux equipes autour du site de reintroduction. Nous avons trouve que 96 (64 %) poteaux avaient ete correctement equipes. Les poteaux restants presentaient des erreurs du plan d’attenuation, d’installation ou d’autres types, isolement ou en combinaison. Ces erreurs doivent etre corrigees pour optimiser le succes du programme de transfert. Le succes du programme de reintroduction des Condors de Californie (Gymnogyps californianus) avait d’abord ete reduit par la mortalite par Electrocution, tout comme les programmes de conservation d’autres especes de rapaces, et nos constatations demontrent la necessite de bien comprendre les risques lies a l’Electrocution et de les attenuer lors de la conception des programmes de transfert, de reintroduction et de conservation des especes qui se posent sur les poteaux electriques. Les types de poteaux que nous avons observes en Republique dominicaine etant egalement presents ailleurs dans la Caraibe, nous estimons que d’autres especes endemiques, sedentaires ou migratrices dans la region subissent egalement une mortalite par Electrocution qui pourrait etre evitee. Mots cles: Buteo ridgwayi, Buse de Ridgway, Electrocution, Hispaniola, ligne electrique, mortalite, Republique dominicaine
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Documenting and reducing avian Electrocutions in Hungary: a conservation contribution from citizen scientists
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2018Co-Authors: Iván Demeter, James F Dwyer, Márton Horváth, Károly Nagy, Zoltán Görögh, Péter Tóth, János Bagyura, Szabolcs Solt, András Kovács, Richard E HarnessAbstract:ABSTRACT Electrocutions of birds on power structures is a global conservation concern that has not been thoroughly reported in all areas where it occurs. Here we provide information from citizen scientists describing 3,400 avian carcasses of at least 79 species found at the bases of 57,486 electrical pylons in Hungary. Of these carcasses, 3% were found at the bases of pylons retrofitted to reduce Electrocution risk. On average, one carcass was found per 15 nonretrofitted pylons surveyed compared one carcass per 89 retrofitted pylons, an 83% difference in frequency. Electrocutions included 4 species of conservation concern in Hungary: Red-footed Falcons (Falco vespertinus), European Rollers (Coracias garrulous), Saker Falcons (Falco cherrug), and Eastern Imperial Eagles (Aquila heliaca). Only 3 of 104 (3%) Electrocutions involving these species occurred on retrofitted pylons. Across birds of various sizes (small ≤25 cm long, medium 26–49 cm long, and large ≥50 cm long), differences in Electrocution frequen...
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power pole density informs spatial prioritization for mitigating avian Electrocution
Journal of Wildlife Management, 2016Co-Authors: James F Dwyer, Richard E Harness, Brian D Gerber, Paul Petersen, Melissa A Landon, Daryl D Austin, Brian Woodbridge, Gary E Williams, Duncan EcclestonAbstract:Raptor and corvid Electrocutions cause continental conservation concerns for breeding, migrating, and wintering birds. Although concerns are widespread, mitigation is implemented primarily at local scales of individual electric utilities. By not considering landscape-scale patterns, conservation strategies may fail to focus mitigation where efforts are needed most. To enable resource managers to consider Electrocution risk at larger scales, we developed a regional model of distribution power pole (pole) density in a grid of 1-km2 cells throughout Colorado and Wyoming. To do so, we obtained data on pole locations from a sample of electric utilities covering 31% of Colorado and Wyoming, and developed a predictive model of poles throughout the remainder of the 2 states. Pole density was influenced by road lengths, number of oil and gas wells, slope, development, and land cover. Poles were densest in areas with high road lengths, high numbers of wells, and relatively flat terrain, and in areas developed for agriculture or human residences. When model predictions are viewed together with species-specific habitat maps, locations where high pole densities overlap habitat suggest areas where mitigating Electrocution risk could be prioritized. Communication between resource managers and local utilities could then clarify the poles that caused the highest risk to raptors from Electrocution. Thus, the model provides a framework for systematic spatial prioritization in support of regional conservation planning to minimize Electrocution of raptors and corvids. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
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predictive model of avian Electrocution risk on overhead power lines
Conservation Biology, 2014Co-Authors: James F Dwyer, Richard E Harness, K DonohueAbstract:Electrocution on overhead power structures negatively affects avian populations in diverse ecosystems worldwide, contributes to the endangerment of raptor populations in Europe and Africa, and is a major driver of legal action against electric utilities in North America. We investigated factors associated with avian Electrocutions so poles that are likely to electrocute a bird can be identified and retrofitted prior to causing avian mortality. We used historical data from southern California to identify patterns of avian Electrocution by voltage, month, and year to identify species most often killed by Electrocution in our study area and to develop a predictive model that compared poles where an avian Electrocution was known to have occurred (Electrocution poles) with poles where no known Electrocution occurred (comparison poles). We chose variables that could be quantified by personnel with little training in ornithology or electric systems. Electrocutions were more common at distribution voltages (≤33 kV) and during breeding seasons and were more commonly reported after a retrofitting program began. Red-tailed Hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) (n = 265) and American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) (n = 258) were the most commonly electrocuted species. In the predictive model, 4 of 14 candidate variables were required to distinguish Electrocution poles from comparison poles: number of jumpers (short wires connecting energized equipment), number of primary conductors, presence of grounding, and presence of unforested unpaved areas as the dominant nearby land cover. When tested against a sample of poles not used to build the model, our model distributed poles relatively normally across Electrocution-risk values and identified the average risk as higher for Electrocution poles relative to comparison poles. Our model can be used to reduce avian Electrocutions through proactive identification and targeting of high-risk poles for retrofitting. Modelo Predictivo del Riesgo de Electrocucion de Aves en Lineas Electricas Elevadas Resumen La electrocucion en estructuras de energia elevadas afecta negativamente a poblaciones de aves en diversos ecosistemas en todo el mundo, contribuye al riesgo de poblaciones de rapaces en Europa y Africa, y es una causa importante de accion legal contra empresas electricas en Norte America. Investigamos los factores asociados con la electrocucion de aves para que postes que posiblemente electrocuten a una ave sean identificados y sean acondicionados antes de que causen mortalidad de aves. Utilizamos datos historicos del sur de California para identificar patrones de electrocucion de aves por voltaje, mes y ano para identificar las especies que mueren mas frecuentemente por electrocucion en nuestra zona de estudio y desarrollar un modelo predictivo que comparo postes en los que se sabia habia ocurrido una electrocucion (postes de electrocucion) con postes en los que no hubo electrocucion (postes de comparacion). Seleccionamos variables que pudieran ser cuantificadas por personal con poco entrenamiento en ornitologia o sistemas electricos. Las electrocuciones fueron mas comunes en voltajes de distribucion (≤33kV) y durante epocas reproductivas y fueron reportadas mas comunmente despues de que comenzo un programa de acondicionamiento. Las especies electrocutadas mas frecuentemente fueron Buteo jamaicensis (n = 265) Corvus brachyrhynchos (n = 258). En el modelo predictivo, se requirieron 4 de 14 variables consideradas para distinguir los postes de comparacion de los postes de comparacion: numero de puentes (cables cortos que conectan equipo energizado), numero de conductores primarios, presencia de conexiones a tierra y presencia de areas deforestadas y no pavimentadas dominantes en la cobertura de suelo cercana. Al probarlo con una muestra de postes no utilizados para construirlo, nuestro modelo distribuyo los postes nomalmente en los valores de riesgo de electrocucion e identifico el riesgo promedio mas alto para postes de electrocucion en relacion con los poses de comparacion. Nuestro modelo puede ser usado para reducir electrocuciones de aves mediante la identificacion proactiva de postes con alto riesgo.
Antonio Marco Maria Osculati - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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diagnosis of Electrocution the application of scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x ray spectroscopy in five cases
Forensic Science International, 2018Co-Authors: Silvia Damiana Visona, Y Chen, P Bernardi, Luisa Andrello, Antonio Marco Maria OsculatiAbstract:Abstract Introduction Deaths from electricity, generally, do not have specific findings at the autopsy. The diagnosis is commonly based on the circumstances of the death and the morphologic findings, above all the current mark. Yet, the skin injury due to an Electrocution and other kinds of thermal injuries often cannot be differentiated with certainty. Therefore, there is a great interest in finding specific markers of Electrocution. The search for the metallization of the skin through Scanning Electron Microscope equipped with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) probe is of special importance in order to achieve a definite diagnosis in case of suspected Electrocution. Materials and methods We selected five cases in which the Electrocution was extremely likely considering the circumstances of the death. In each case a forensic autopsy was performed. Then, the skin specimens were stained with Hematoxylin Eosin and Perls. On the other hand, the skin lesions were examined with a scanning electron microscope equipped with EDS probe in order to evaluate the morphological ultrastructural features and the presence of deposits on the surface of the skin. Results The typical skin injury of the Electrocution (current mark) were macroscopically detected in all of the cases. The microscopic examination of the skin lesions revealed the typical spherical vacuoles in the horny layer and, in the epidermis, the elongation of the cell nuclei as well as necrosis. Perls staining was negative in 4 out 6 cases. Ultrastructural morphology revealed the evident vacuolization of the horny layer, elongation of epidermic cells, coagulation of the elastic fibers. EDS-microanalysis In the specimens collected from the site of contact with the conductor of case 1 and 2, the presence of the Kα peaks of iron was detected. In the corresponding specimens taken from cases 2, 4, 5 the microanalysis showed the Kα peaks of titanium. In case 3, titanium and carbon were found. Conclusions In the suspicion of Electrocution, the integrated use of different tools is recommended, including macroscopic observation, H&E staining, iron-specific staining, scanning electron microscopy and EDS microanalysis. Only the careful interpretation of the results provided by all these methods can allow the pathologist to correctly identify the cause of the death. Particularly, the present study suggests that the microanalysis (SEM-EDS) represents a very useful tool for the diagnosis of Electrocution, allowing the detection and the identification of the metals embedded in the skin and their evaluation in the context of the ultrastructural morphology.