An analysis of Vulture mortalities on power lines in South Africa from 1996 to 2018

Vulture mortalities recorded by the Eskom / Endangered Wildlife Trust (Eskom/EWT) Strategic Partnership since its inception during 1996 - 2018 are presented here. Data were analysed to determine species most affected, the type of power line structures responsible for the mortalities, and the key factors that contributed to the mortalities. The number of sites mitigated, as well as the average response time of mitigation measures were examined. Eskom's policy and standards for re-active mitigation as well as the recently adopted Pro-Active Bird Mitigation Strategy are explained. Challenges such as limited funding and the lack of technical solutions to reduce vulture mortalities on power lines in South Africa are discussed.