Background
In Kaohsiung's Linyuan District, a well-intentioned effort to deter migratory birds from roosting on power lines has ended in disaster. The local agricultural bureau had installed protective sleeves on the lines and applied a special "repellent" to discourage birds from gathering. However, this measure has led to a tragic outcome, with many swallows falling to the ground, injured or dead, due to the effects of the chemical.
The Solution Gone Wrong
Every year, the area experiences a massive influx of migratory birds, which congregate on power lines. This results in a blanket of bird droppings covering the roads, reducing traction and causing motorcycle accidents. Last March, seven such incidents occurred within half an hour during a rainstorm. The droppings also damage nearby streetlights, utility poles, and traffic signals, leaving residents frustrated.
In an attempt to address this issue, the Kaohsiung City Agricultural Bureau decided to apply a repellent to the power lines. The chemical was designed to be unpleasant for birds, with an expected effectiveness of six months. Additionally, the district office planned to increase street cleaning, aiming to maintain the area every two weeks.
However, shortly after the application of the repellent, residents began reporting large numbers of swallows falling from the lines, injured or dead. This unexpected consequence led to the immediate removal of the protective sleeves and the repellent-coated sections of the power lines. The city's animal protection unit and veterinary hospitals are now handling the injured birds, cleaning the adhesive substance from their bodies.
Future Plans
City Councilor Chiu Yu-hsuan noted that the initial intention was to prevent migratory birds from roosting on the lines, but the outcome was unforeseen. The city is now focused on understanding the cause of this incident and exploring alternative solutions. Previous suggestions, such as inviting a falconry association to scare the birds without harming them or relocating the birds to nearby wetland parks, were deemed impractical due to concerns about safety and environmental impact.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the challenges of managing wildlife in urban areas, where well-meaning interventions can sometimes have unintended consequences. As the city moves forward, it will be crucial to find effective and humane methods to address the issue of bird roosting on power lines, ensuring both public safety and animal welfare.
