Individual variability in space use near power lines by a long-lived territorial raptor

2022 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 856

Study snapshot

Publicationmanual · 2022

Study typecohort

Reported directionMixed

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Individual variability in space use near power lines by a long-lived territorial raptor Marques AT, Palma L, Lourenço R, Cangarato R, Leitão A, Mascarenhas M, Tavares JT, Tomé R, Moreira F, Beja P. Individual variability in space use near power lines by a long-lived territorial raptor. Ecol Evol. 2022 Apr 7;12(4):e8811. doi: 10.1002/ece3.8811. Abstract Evaluating species responses to anthropogenic infrastructures and other habitat changes is often used to assess environmental impacts and to guide conservation actions. However, such studies are generally carried out at the population level, disregarding inter-individual variability. Here, we investigate population- and individual-level responses toward power lines of a territorial raptor, the Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata. We used GPS-PTT tracking data of 17 adult eagles to model space use as a function of distance to transmission and distribution lines, while accounting for other habitat features known to affect this species. At population level, eagles increased the intensity of space use in the proximity of power lines (up to 1,000 m), suggesting an attraction effect. At individual level, some eagles shared the general population attraction pattern, while others showed reduced intensity of space use in the proximity of power lines. These differential responses were unrelated to the sex of individuals, but were affected by the characteristics of the power grid, with a tendency for apparent attraction to be associated with individuals occupying home ranges with a denser network of transmission lines and transmission pylons. However, the study could not rule out the operation of other potentially influential factors, such as individual idiosyncrasies, the spatial distribution of prey availability, and the availability of natural perches and nesting sites. Overall, these results suggest that power lines may drive different behaviors and have differential impacts across individuals, with those attracted to the proximity of power lines potentially facing increased risk of mortality through electrocution and collision, and those avoiding power lines being potentially subject to exclusion effects. More generally, our results reinforce the need to understand individual variability when assessing and mitigating impacts of anthropogenic infrastructures. Open access paper: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typecohort

Effect directionmixed

PopulationBonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) adults

Sample size17

ExposureELF

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Using GPS-PTT tracking data from 17 adult Bonelli's eagles, space use intensity increased near power lines at the population level (up to 1,000 m), suggesting attraction. At the individual level, some eagles showed attraction while others showed reduced space use near power lines; differences were unrelated to sex and tended to be associated with denser transmission-line/pylon networks in home ranges.

Outcomes measured

Space use intensity as a function of distance to transmission and distribution power lines
Individual variability in attraction/avoidance patterns near power lines

Limitations

Observational design; cannot establish causality
Could not rule out other influential factors (e.g., individual idiosyncrasies, prey distribution, availability of natural perches/nesting sites)
Results based on a limited sample (17 individuals)

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "cohort",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "power lines",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": null
  },
  "population": "Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) adults",
  "sample_size": 17,
  "outcomes": [
    "Space use intensity as a function of distance to transmission and distribution power lines",
    "Individual variability in attraction/avoidance patterns near power lines"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Using GPS-PTT tracking data from 17 adult Bonelli's eagles, space use intensity increased near power lines at the population level (up to 1,000 m), suggesting attraction. At the individual level, some eagles showed attraction while others showed reduced space use near power lines; differences were unrelated to sex and tended to be associated with denser transmission-line/pylon networks in home ranges.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Observational design; cannot establish causality",
    "Could not rule out other influential factors (e.g., individual idiosyncrasies, prey distribution, availability of natural perches/nesting sites)",
    "Results based on a limited sample (17 individuals)"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "power lines",
    "transmission lines",
    "distribution lines",
    "GPS-PTT tracking",
    "space use",
    "Bonelli's eagle",
    "Aquila fasciata",
    "individual variability",
    "anthropogenic infrastructure",
    "electrocution",
    "collision"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "occupational-exposure",
      "weight": 0,
      "reason": null
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1002/ece3.8811
PubMed: Not supplied

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