Habitat Fragmentation plays an important role on how avian species thrive in today's ecosystems. Habitat fragmentation is not only defined as decreasing the size of land, but the increasing magnitude of isolated patches of land causing threats to biodiversity. 2 As the human population of the United States continues to surge, we have now become the third largest in the world. 22 Avian species will continue to be displaced at the hands of humans as our industries advance, neighborhoods are built, and changes in agricultural landscapes are established. Currently, 1.53 billion hectares of cropland covers the Earth's land surface and is projected to grow another 18% by the middle of this century. 13, 31 Statistics indicate that by the year 2030, areas that are committed to urban centers will have tripled to 0.18 hectares. 30 As habitat loss progresses due to the fragmentation of the land, various ecological and environmental factors increase deteriorating overall habitat quality. While biodiversity is at risk of declined fitness, this will inevitably lead to reduced populations, creating opportunities for inbreeding among the species. The final outcome could cause extinction among species found in these predicaments. 15
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As the demand for a healthier environment generating electricity without carbon emission increases, so does the production for industrial wind energy. The cost effectiveness of wind energy and the advances in wind turbine technology, have demonstrated that the numbers of wind turbines continue to soar as they are built throughout the world. 7 Unfortunately, little thought has been given to the impact that numerous avian species endure as they journey through the sky. Due to wind turbines, birds face adverse effects, notably seen as fatal through the collision with rotating turbine rotor blades. 8 It is estimated that between 140,00 to 328,000 birds are killed annually with direct collision with monopole turbines in the United States alone. 29 Turbine blade tips can move at speeds of 180 miles per hour, which hinders the visibility of wind turbines for bird species causing their demise. 6
It is believed that raptors fall victims to wind turbines as they dive in a straight line, focused on their prey with no notice of the danger of rotating blades. 6 Not only are wind turbines considered lethal to birds, but every wind farm that is built, helps contribute to more habitat being fragmented as species try to survive.
For additional information please visit: Audubon
Wind Turbines
The above picture is a exact location in my community where bird species have fallen victims of power line electrocutions. Electrocution on power lines is known as one of the various ways in which humans have influenced the mortality rates of raptors. Electrocution occurs when the bird species touches energized wires or devices simultaneously. It may also occur when a bird touches one energized wire and one wire that is either a neutral or ground wire. 16 The majority of occurrences of incidents happen on low- voltage distribution lines that supply power to both residential and commercial consumers. 21 Unfortunately, the fear exists that more raptors will be facing risks of being electrocuted today due to the power line rights-of-way in raptor habitats that continue to be on the rise. 20 Estimates of tens of thousands of birds are killed annually due to power lines while migratory birds suffer even more mortality rates due to structures being built to provide services and amenities to communities. 22 It was reported that Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Great Horned Owls consist of 96% of raptors species found executed. 16 These species will seek out power lines to perch on as they increase their odds hunting for prey. Devastating facts indicate that one third of power outages are caused by animals- with birds taking the lead as the predominant source. 22
For additional information please visit: Midwest Energy News
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Habitat Fragmentation
Window Collisions
Window Collisions have also had an extreme negative impact on bird species. Avian mortality is estimated to affect millions of individuals from plate glass found in garage doors to multistory buildings. 33 The hazards that windows cause toward birds will continue to increase for both migrant and residential birds as the development and the construction of new buildings continue to utilize large panes of glass. 19 As observations have been made and reported, both invisible and reflective windows which mirror the facing habitat outside, have been acknowledged as the principal cause for window strikes. 18 It would appear that birds have been unable to distinguish glass windows as they envision themselves defending their territory from other birds. Birds have also been known to strike windows which would indicate a lack of awareness of their presence. 18 Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) living in urban environments have encountered severe losses due to reflective windows threatening their successful reintroduction back into the wild. 19
For additional information please visit: Window Collisions
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Power Lines
Picture retrieved from Wix picures
"Bird Imprint on Window" by Ted, Flickr is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Habitat Fragmentation in Action
Picture taken in Lindenhurst, Illinois by Kristi Rivas
