Upon reading the title of this article, you might find yourself questioning the necessity of a Wildlife Biologist at an airport. It's a common question asked whenever we mention our roles as Airport Wildlife Biologists. Whether big or small, enduring chilly winters or scorching summers, airports play host to a diversity of wildlife, particularly birds. Unfortunately, this coexistence presents the potential for wildlife strikes with aircraft, incidents that not only carry financial burdens for airports but, in severe instances, can lead to fatalities. This article offers insight into our work here at Mastermark as we delve into a typical day in the life of an Airport Wildlife Biologist.
Figure 1: White-headed Munia (Lonchura maja)
Early Mornings – Wildlife Survey
The day kicks off at 6 a.m. as two Mastermark wildlife biologists embark on an early morning wildlife field survey at the airport. This timing aligns with the crepuscular periods, dawn and dusk, when birds and wildlife are most active. The heightened activity during these periods facilitates easier detection and identification of various species within the airport. Additionally, listening for vocalizations, unique to the early morning or late evening, aids in bird species identification even when not visually apparent.
Conducting the survey by vehicle, we adhere to a specific route covering runways, taxiways, and perimeter roads. Consistency in this route ensures comparable data across surveys. Armed with binoculars, cameras, and GIS technology, we mark exact species locations, enabling analysis of wildlife patterns and identification of high-risk areas prone to potential wildlife strikes.
Strategic planning is essential for wildlife observations at airports, considering factors such as weather fluctuations, unforeseen animal behaviour, and airport activities. Patience is a virtue in this process, recognizing the unpredictability of wildlife. Even the most seasoned biologist remains vigilant, as every survey may unveil new species or behaviours within the airport environment. Being Airport Wildlife Biologists in Singapore, the early start also serves to avoid the intense afternoon heat in the hot and humid climate, providing both humans and wildlife a reprieve from the sun.
Mornings – Expanding the Horizon with Vicinity Surveys
While the initial duo of Airport Wildlife Biologists focuses on collecting data within the airport, another pair embarks on a vicinity survey, exploring the broader ecosystem beyond airport boundaries. Examining diverse habitats like reservoirs, parks, wetlands, forests, and grasslands reveals the interconnectedness between airport operations and local wildlife. Identifying wildlife corridors and key habitats is crucial for minimizing human-wildlife conflicts. Today's survey takes us on a boat ride along a reservoir, with the cooperation of local stakeholders and landowners.
Checking out wildlife around airport water bodies helps us spot large waterbirds and monitor potential nests. Attention to treetops around the reservoir is vital for detecting nests indicative of birds of prey. This monitoring is crucial due to the risks posed by waterbirds and birds of prey during aircraft take-off and landing. The survey provides valuable insights into the types of trees attracting high-risk species, the population of potential prey, and the prevalence of nests or roosts, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of local wildlife dynamics.
By noon, we wrap up our morning adventures, gearing up for the challenges the afternoon may bring. And let's face it, lunch is the real MVP – a refuel session for whatever the wildlife (and aviation) world throws at us later on!
Afternoons – Unravelling Wildlife Mysteries through Carcass Dissection
After lunch, we scheduled time to identify and dissect wildlife carcasses that were picked up from the airport. We are lucky enough to get the glorious task of dissecting wildlife carcasses that were found at the airport, the analysis of these carcasses can help us identify what food they are eating and can provide valuable insights into if or how the species was stuck by an aircraft. On occasion, the discovered wildlife carcasses do not result from aircraft strikes but rather from being dropped by a bird of prey or a larger predator. When assessing carcasses for classification as strikes, our criteria involve examining for broken bones and indications of blunt force trauma. Another potential cause worth considering is jet blast. Particularly with smaller birds, the force generated during take-off from an airplane has the potential to be lethal.
Dissecting carcasses allows us to examine the stomach and digestive systems of the species struck, providing essential a species diet in the airside. For instance, a species like the Cattle Egret has a diverse diet, encompassing large insects, worms, moths, frogs, snakes, fish, and more. Through the dissection of an individual, we can precisely determine the dietary preferences of Cattle Egrets within the airport. Today's dissection revealed a predominant consumption of small lizards, offering specific evidence that Cattle Egrets in the airside are actively preying on this particular food source.
Empowering Through Training
Finishing off the day, the final segment of our agenda is to prepare for two of our upcoming trainings. We collaborated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and ICAO to carefully design two different courses to help both airport managers and airport operators address the challenges posed by wildlife strikes, our Airport Wildlife Management Course and Airport Wildlife Operations Course.
Our Airport Wildlife Management Course provides a complete overview of the critical components involved in a Wildlife Hazard Management Programme, or WHMP, and is intended for airport managers who are responsible for implementing their own customized WHMP. Through the course, participants will develop a deep understanding of wildlife and habitat management, latest technology, and techniques for data collection. Through a review of various management strategies and methodologies, this course aims to develop the knowledge and skillsets needed to create a successful WHMP.
The Airport Wildlife Operations Course on the other hand is intended for airport operators/inspectors, providing them with valuable knowledge and practical experience to carry out groundwork crucial in supporting a WHMP. Using Mastermark’s wildlife framework, Aerodrome Wildlife 360, this training focuses on high-risk bird species, wildlife identification and behavioral patterns, capture and dispersal tools, firearms and pyrotechnics safety and operations. This course also incorporates training in utilizing technological advances such as avian radars to efficiently collect and manage data. This hands-on course is led by wildlife biologists to illustrate how effective techniques can be implemented for the best results and is intended for individuals who are responsible for tactical wildlife management at airports.
Evenings – Preparation for Tomorrow's Challenges
As the day ends, we will make sure we are prepared for any upcoming surveys. It is important to organize and ready essential tools such as binoculars, cameras, and GIS systems for efficient data collection. Taking a few extra minutes to prepare for whatever the next day's surveys throw at us is key in keeping everything smooth for aviation and wildlife to coexist – that's the goal!
Conclusion
In the realm of airport wildlife hazard management, each day presents a unique set of challenges and discoveries. The dedication of Airport Wildlife Biologists extends beyond routine surveys; it encompasses a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Through these efforts, we strive to make the skies safer.
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