Airport Wildlife Management Services

Managing safety and ecological stability

A critical component of developing an effective airport wildlife management plan is identifying wildlife hazards both on, and surrounding airport property.

With the increase in the number of flights worldwide, the incidence of bird strikes has increased and can potentially cause serious and life threatening consequences.  With the majority (90%) of bird strikes occurring at low altitudes, in close proximity to airport runways, it is imperative that an effective and current wildlife management program is in place.

Naturecall are specialists in bird strike management and aircraft wildlife control services and have a team of experts who can undertake risk assessments and audits and implement highly successful on-ground management programs.

Not only do we implement measures to scare and disperse birds from critical departure and arrival points, but we adopt a fully integrated approach taking into account the broader surrounding habitat, impacting environmental factors and the unique mix of species present in each airport vicinity.

Typically, our Airport Wildlife Management Services involve the following:-

• Bird Strike Risk Assessments and Audits- In brief, a risk assessment  and/or audit involves a full site assessment and survey of  the immediate and surrounding habitat and species present.  Strike data is studied and reviewed together with a thorough audit of any existing airport wildlife management practices. Results are then interpreted in order to determine the risk each species poses to aircraft. 
• Bird Strike and Wildlife Control Plans– Once risk assessments and/or audits are undertaken, Naturecall will work with key stakeholders in developing an effective bird strike and wildlife control plan that details operational control measures over agreed timeframes to manage and maintain safe wildlife numbers.  Action plans are implemented for each individual species which take into account long term goals and management solutions.
• Stakeholder Education and Training Programs – A key component to the success of our Airport Bird Strike and Wildlife Management Services is the education and training we provide to airport personnel who are integral in the implementation and management of the program.  We provide practical education and training involving bird identification, strike reporting, wildlife dispersal and control measures as well as effective ongoing monitoring and habitat management.

Recent airport bird strike and wildlife management projects –

At Naturecall we understand the importance of working closely with airport management and staff in developing or enhancing wildlife program requirements and have hands-on experience at the following airports:-

• Brisbane (bird strike risk assessment and vertebrate pest control). Involving initial risk assessments, implementation of bird strike and wildlife management plan, ongoing reviews, effective communication and education of all stakeholders, wildlife control measures and forensic testing and research.

• Maroochydore (fox control).  Involving behavioural studies, identification of fence breaches and effective long term, humane control of fox populations.

• Coolangatta (fox control).  Involving behavioural studies, identification of fence breaches and effective long term, humane control of fox populations.

• Amberly Airforce Base (foxes, wild dogs and rabbit management and control. Involving a multi-faceted approach to hazard identification, risk assessment and effective trapping and long term management of the three species.

We can also provide vegetation management programs for airports and surrounding areas which take into account the broader ecosystem of the region. 

Call 1300 319 954 for further information on our complete Airport Fauna and Flora Management Services.

Channel 9 segment on NatureCalls dispersal dog Molly