Podcast 1

Title: A rapid assessment of species-specific bird strike risk at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana…

This podcast describes a bird strike risk assessment conducted at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. The authors examined the abundance and behavior of 86 bird species, developing a species-specific bird strike risk (SSBR) index to assess the likelihood of bird strikes. The index incorporates factors like bird concentration, proximity to the runway, hazardous behaviors like hovering or delaying takeoff, and average body mass. Six bird species were identified as "problem species" due to their high SSBR scores. The study then examines the factors that attract these problem species to the airport, such as nearby refuse sites, farmland, and open water sources. The authors conclude with recommendations for proactive and reactive management strategies to reduce bird strikes, including relocating landfills, controlling grass heights, and using deterrents like pyrotechnics and trained dogs.

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Wildlife Hazards Management Podcasts

Podcast 2

Title: Factors Influencing Bird Strikes at Melbourne Airport, 1986~2000…

W.K. Steele's 2001 paper analyzes bird strikes at Melbourne Airport from 1986-2000. The study used bird surveys, weather data, and strike records to identify influential factors. The Australian Magpie emerged as the biggest threat, with most strikes occurring at low altitudes during peak bird activity hours in autumn. Interestingly, strong winds also correlated with increased strike incidence. The research discusses mitigation strategies employed at the airport and compares Melbourne's findings with those of other international airports.

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Podcast 3

Title: Quantifying Bird-Aircraft Collision Risk at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

This 2007 study assessed bird-aircraft collision risk at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Researchers compared bird strike risk estimations from point-count surveys and runway protection zone (RPZ) surveys. The RPZ survey, focusing on birds in the immediate vicinity of runways, revealed discrepancies compared to point-count data, especially regarding raptors. The study highlighted the importance of supplementary surveys like the RPZ method for a more comprehensive assessment of bird strike risk. Findings emphasized that prioritizing wildlife management requires considering both survey data and airport-specific bird strike statistics to effectively mitigate aviation hazards.

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Podcast 4

Title: ICAO Doc. 9137 - Airport Services Manual - Part 3, Wildlife Hazard Management

This podcast is about the fifth edition of the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Airport Services Manual, Part 3 – Wildlife Hazard Management (Doc 9137). It details the creation and implementation of effective Wildlife Hazard Management Programs (WHMPs) at airports worldwide. The manual thoroughly explains wildlife hazards, stakeholder responsibilities, risk assessment methodologies, habitat management techniques, and advancements in wildlife detection technology. It emphasizes the importance of data collection, reporting, and regular program evaluations to minimize the risk of wildlife strikes. The document also stresses the need for comprehensive training for airport personnel and collaboration with external stakeholders.

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Podcast 5

Title: Wildlife Food Resources at Airports

This 2013 article, "Wildlife in Airport Environments: Chapter 8 Identification and Management of Wildlife Food Resources at Airports," by DeVault and Washburn, focuses on mitigating wildlife-aircraft collisions. The authors examine the crucial role of food resources in attracting hazardous wildlife to airports, detailing techniques to identify these resources and implement effective management strategies. The research emphasizes reducing food availability to deter wildlife, particularly birds and mammals, while considering the ecological complexities and potential unintended consequences of management interventions. Finally, the authors highlight the need for further research to refine airport wildlife management practices.

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Podcast 6

Title: Avisure GIS Analysis and Mapping

This podcast summarizes the key aspects of Avisure's GIS analysis and mapping services as presented on their website. The core message revolves around helping aerodromes effectively manage wildlife hazards by leveraging GIS technology for data collection, analysis, and reporting. Avisure emphasizes its ability to provide tailored solutions to assess risks, improve management strategies, and ultimately reduce potential damage from wildlife strikes, while also recognizing the importance of data accuracy for legal and insurance purposes.

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Podcast 7

Title: ICAO Doc.9137, part 03, Chapter03, Aerodrome Wildlife Risk Assessment

This podcast outlines a methodology for conducting aerodrome wildlife safety risk assessments. It details how to estimate the probability of wildlife strikes based on historical data and observed wildlife behavior and how to assess the severity of potential impacts based on wildlife size and flocking behavior. A risk matrix is then used to categorize species into acceptable, tolerable, or intolerable risk levels, guiding the prioritization of wildlife management strategies. Both quantitative and qualitative data are considered, acknowledging variations in available resources across different aerodromes. Finally, a case study illustrates the application of this risk assessment process to specific bird species.

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Podcast 8

Title: ICAO Doc.9137, part 03, Chapter07, Training Standards

This podcast is about aerodrome wildlife hazards management training. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) document 9137, part 3, chapter 3, outlines essential training requirements for aerodrome personnel involved in wildlife hazard management. It emphasizes the need for competent personnel trained by specialists, following recognized training principles. Training programs should cover a range of topics, including wildlife ecology, regulations, removal techniques, and safety management systems. The podcast highlights the importance of recurrent training, recommending updates at least every two years, to keep personnel informed of changes in wildlife management practices. Furthermore, the podcast specifies that trainers themselves should be experienced professionals with formal instruction.