The red kite and many other species of birds with medium to large wingspans run the risk of being electrocuted when they perch on the poles of medium-voltage power lines. The electrocution is most likely to occur during take-off and landing, when the animals simultaneously touch the conductor cable with one wing and the pole beam with their legs.
To avoid this fearsome danger, E-Distribuzione S.p.A. will carry out conductor safety work on 250 support poles located in sensitive areas for the species, identified both near the reintroduction site and in the expansion areas.
The work will consist of insulating the bare conductors with plastic profiles and self-amalgamating tape or replacing the conductor with insulated copper wire.
