This exceptional raptor found dead in the Pyrénées-Orientales: what happened

It was an unfortunate discovery which was made on Friday January 10 in the territory of the commune of Ortaffa, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. A Grand Duke of Europe, one of the world’s largest nocturnal birds of prey was found dead at the foot of an electricity pylon. This exceptional owl has probably been electrocuted. Specialists react.

The animal died of electrocution

“Unfortunately, cases of electrocution often happen,” laments Yves Aleman. The president of the Ornithological Group of Roussillon (GOR) published a post Facebook in which he shares the death of an emblematic bird: the European Eagle Owl, one of the largest nocturnal birds of prey in the world.

This owl was found dead a few days ago at the foot of an electricity pylon, in the Ortaffa sector. “Some species are very affected by this type of mortality,” continues Yves Aleman, joined by News Perpignan. The ornithological specialist details:

“We think of the white storks which land on electricity pylons during migrations. There is also the Bonelli’s Eagle, a species which is very very sensitive (50% of known mortality cases of the species, editor’s note). And finally there is the Great Duke of Europe, the largest nocturnal bird of prey in Europe. We have had several cases of mortality in the department.

During the breeding season

Measuring 75 centimeters and weighing more than four kilos, the European Eagle Owl can reach an incredible wingspan of 190 centimeters with its wings outstretched. “It’s a species that lives here at the foot of the Albères, of the Aspres, of the Corbières and which reproduces in small cliffs, in pebbles, in rocks. We are also in the middle of the reproduction period of the species,” warns Yves Aleman.

Because if the species is not in danger of extinction, the death of such a raptor nevertheless occurs at the worst timedeplores our specialist. “The fact that one of the two partners of the couple was electrocuted to death will endanger the future brood. The male will not be there to supply the female and her young,” continues the president of the GOR.

But in fact, why is the Grand Duke of Europe particularly concerned by electrocutions? “It is a species which is used to hunting from a lookout and which perches at the top of pylons. If she sees a rat, a mouse, a rabbit running in the fields, she rushes towards it. Electricity pylons are high points. These are the only perches that exist in large fields, and it attracts birds,” explains the ornithology enthusiast.

“Enedis is carrying out the necessary work”

By sharing this information on social networks, Yves Aleman above all wishes to educate. “We have a whole network of observers. When a case of electrocution is reported to us, there is a small report to make. We note the location of the pylonwe take photos of the dead bird at the foot of the pylon and we send them to Enedis,” explains the latter.

A regional agreement between Enedis and associations protection of birds exists elsewhere. “Enedis is carrying out the work necessary to neutralize the pylon. They ensure that this pylon becomes harmless in terms of electrocution, by putting insulating sleeves on it for example,” explains Yves Aleman.

“It’s very important to do this because it allows you to locate the black spots in the network. Moreover, if a hiker notices a death at the foot of a pylon, the reflex is to take photos, note the place, the date and notify us at the Roussillon Ornithological Group,” concludes its president.

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