PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
The problem of bird collisions on high speed lines (HSL) has increased significantly in recent years. Along with hazards related to rail infrastructures, high speed trains also pose an additional risk to birds.
Both common and more sensitive species are at risk, and as a result of bird collisions on HSL, the populations of certain bird species are decreasing and becoming increasingly isolated. This includes some birds of prey, and birds linked to water bodies or to open and steppic environments, all of which are included in Annex I of the Birds Directive.
An Infrastructure and Transport Strategic Plan, drawn up by the ministry of public works, proposed the introduction of more than 7 000 km of new high-performance lines during the period 2005-2020. This has important consequence for several Natura 2000 sites. Specifically, it is estimated that more than 1 000 km of the planned routes (more than 14.3% of the total length) will run through Natura 2000 sites, potentially affecting more than 192 protected areas (56 SPAs and 188 SCIs).
OBJECTIVES
The main objectives of the LIFE Impacto Cero project were to:
- Develop a proposed methodology for the determination of optimum measures for protecting birds in new HSL areas, as well as a series of recommendations for the development of environmental monitoring programmes during the construction of new lines, and mitigation measures for lines under operation;
- Demonstrate the effectiveness of a new HSL design, which includes protection measures for birds. This design is based on the concept of equally spaced tubular screens (PTE)
- Improve knowledge about the interaction between railway infrastructure and birds, with the aim of safeguarding biodiversity;
- Reduce the impact of existing and proposed HSL in the project area and on established bird populations in protected areas.
RESULTS
The LIFE Impacto Cero project beneficiaries proved the technical and economic feasibility of tubular anti-collision barriers. The work was supported by intensive field campaigns conducted before and after construction of the barriers, during all four seasons of the year. The beneficiaries reported a reduction of more than 30% in the mortality of small and medium-sized birds in the area of the project barriers, and also in dangerous crossings, compared to other similar areas in the surroundings. The effect was greater for birds with wingspans over 60 cm and for birds flying in flocks.
As the tubular barriers proved to be effective, the beneficiaries plan to maintain them. Project coordinator ADIF will be in charge of maintenance work, as with the other elements of railway infrastructure. Therefore, the barriers will continue reducing bird collisions in the project area. Furthermore, ADIF plans to include the system in its internal technical specifications. These specifications have to be considered when drafting a railway project, so this would result in the anti-collision barriers being installed more widely in Spain’s railway infrastructure.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).
