Dalmatian Pelican Welfare and Power Line Electrocution in the Balkans

Power line electrocution is a leading mortality cause for Dalmatian pelicans in the Balkans, causing traumatic deaths and population-level welfare impacts on this already rare species.

Key Facts

Dalmatian pelicans have a wingspan of up to 3.5 metres making them vulnerable to wide-span pylons
Electrocution occurs when birds span two live wires simultaneously during landing or takeoff
Post-mortem surveys in Greece and Romania confirm electrocution as a major adult mortality cause
Un-insulated medium-voltage distribution lines near wetlands are the highest risk infrastructure
Retrofitting programmes in Greece have significantly reduced electrocution mortality

Welfare Considerations

Power line electrocution causes immediate traumatic death or severe burns requiring euthanasia in surviving birds. For a species with fewer than 20,000 individuals globally, adult mortality from preventable electrocution represents a population-level welfare emergency. The distribution of high-risk power lines near Dalmatian pelican breeding and foraging wetlands means that habitat quality improvements are undermined by infrastructure mortality. Systematic retrofitting of un-insulated distribution lines near key wetland sites provides immediate, lasting welfare and conservation benefit.

What You Can Do

Support power line retrofitting programmes in Dalmatian pelican range countries through donations
Advocate for EU funding for raptor and waterbird electrocution prevention infrastructure
Engage with energy utilities in Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria on pelican-safe line retrofitting
Report electrocuted pelicans to wildlife rescue organisations and national conservation agencies
Donate to WWF-Greece programmes working on Dalmatian pelican power line mortality reduction