Wildlife

Airspace 'Reserves' Proposed to Protect Flying Wildlife

Human influence in the lowest levels of Earth’s atmosphere has become so pervasive during the past century that it is now a major hazard to flying wildlife, according to scientists from Argentina and Wales.

Writing in the journal Science, the researchers say that the growing numbers of skyscrapers, wind turbines, power lines, planes and even drones are adversely affecting the other creatures that share the atmosphere with us from the surface to an altitude of about 300 feet.

Sergio Lambertucci, from the University of Comahue, says that millions of airborne creatures are killed each year by collisions with ground-based structures as well as aircraft.

He suggests that areas of “pristine airspace” be created to allow for the safe migrations of birds. Lambertucci also proposes that impact studies take into account influences on flying wildlife.

An illustration of some of the interactions between manmade structures and flying animals.