Airport Bird and Wildlife Management Systems – A Case Study
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Project Name |
Airport Bird and Wildlife Management Systems (BWMS) |
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Project Location |
Nadi and Nausori International Airports, Fiji |
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Duration |
April 2006 – June 2007 |
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Funding Agency |
Airports Fiji Limited |
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Project Partners |
Avisure Pty Ltd |
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Objectives & Methods & Results |
Key objectives Avisure (then Ecosure) was contracted by Airports Fiji Limited to assess the risk posed by birds and other wildlife at Nadi and Nausori International Airports, and develop options for appropriate management of this risk.
Methods ∙ We reviewed all available data, such as that contained in bird strike reports. ∙ We surveyed bird species present at the airports in the morning, middle of the day, afternoon and at night, and assessed bird habitat on- and off-airport for potential to attract birds and other wildlife in the region. ∙ We interviewed Airports Fiji Limited staff to determine the extent of current bird strike risk management practices and review processes.
Results ∙ We found that there was a significant risk of bird strike at Nadi International Airport relative to other airports around the world – in particular Swamp Harrier and White-faced Herons were found to present a high risk. ∙ We also found that there was a significant bird strike risk at Nausori International Airport – in particular, Feral Pigeons and Egrets presented a high risk.
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Outcomes |
Having assessed bird strike risk and current management practices at both Nadi and Nausori airports, Avisure was able to advise Airports Fiji Limited on how to improve its practices in order to meet its obligations to comply with The International Civil Aviation Organisation’s requirements. Our recommendations included: ∙ Developing a trained and equipped bird management unit. ∙ Improving bird strike reporting practices. ∙ Improving on-airport grass maintenance. ∙ Contracting appropriate professionals to monitor and review Bird & Wildlife Management Strategy implementation. ∙ Developing a process with development consent authorities such that Airports Fiji Limited played a role in decision-making on proposed development applications in the vicinity of the airports.
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