Exposure to high tension power lines and childhood leukaemia: a pilot study

Two populations of Plectrohyla guatemalensis from two different sites in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, were monitored for three consecutive rainy seasons, and noteworthy reproductive behavior was observed. The objective of the surveys was to assess the impact of nearby high-tension power lines, but additional information could be obtained. Our observations that male vocalizations to attract females occurred in the crevices of rocks in streams, inside which females lay eggs, suggest that the species’ reproduction is closely linked to the presence of such crevices. Any clutches were then guarded by the male until hatching. We inferred the existence of male-male competition for gaining control of these reproduction sites building upon previous observations, remarks about the genus and other species with similar patterns, and evidence of such aggression, although we did not directly observe any. Also, with the help of local wardens, we recorded vocalizations in mid-January, extending the previously reported reproductive period for this species. We therefore consider the conservation and restoration of rocky streams with adequate forest coverage to be an important conservation action for this species.

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Residential mobility of populations near UK power lines and implications for childhood leukaemia

Journal of Radiological Protection ◽

10.1088/0952-4746/33/3/n9 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. N9-N14 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

John Swanson

Keyword(s):

Residential Mobility ◽

Power Lines ◽

Childhood Leukaemia

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Mortality of sarus cranes (Grus antigone) due to electricity wires in Uttar Pradesh, India

Environmental Conservation ◽

10.1017/s0376892905002341 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 32 (3) ◽

pp. 260-269 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

K.S.G. SUNDAR ◽

B.C. CHOUDHURY

Keyword(s):

Endangered Species ◽

Risk Index ◽

Uttar Pradesh ◽

Power Lines ◽

Mitigation Measures ◽

Mortality Factors ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Bird Populations ◽

High Tension ◽

Population Effects

Although overhead electrical wires are known to have caused severe declines of bird populations, there are no studies in India that address this danger, even for endangered species. Rates of mortality, factors affecting mortality and population effects of electrical wires on the globally endangered sarus crane (Grus antigone) were assessed for breeding and non-breeding cranes in Etawah and Mainpuri districts, Uttar Pradesh, India. Non-breeding cranes were most susceptible to wires and, within territories, mortalities were higher for pre-dispersed young. Similar proportions of non-breeding and breeding cranes were killed, together accounting for nearly 1% of the total sarus crane population annually. Supply wires accounted for the majority of sarus crane deaths, and only non-breeding cranes were killed by both supply and high-tension power lines. Non-breeding crane deaths at roost sites were correlated with numbers of roosting birds and numbers of wires at each site. Over 40% of 251 known sarus crane territories had at least one overhead wire posing a risk to breeding adults and pre-dispersed young. A risk index for wires over territories of cranes was computed; mortality was not affected by increasing the number and therefore risk posed by wires. Most crane deaths in territories occurred as a result of wires at edges of territories. Wires around roosting sites, territoriality and age of sarus cranes appear to be the most important factors affecting their mortality due to wires. Mitigation measures will be most effective around roost sites and for wires that border territories of breeding pairs.

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