Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – July 2025 — A groundbreaking new study led by Dr. Andrew Dixon, Director of Conservation at the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF), reveals that simple and scalable engineering solutions can significantly reduce avian electrocutions in Mongolia’s steppe grasslands—where the endangered Saker Falcon continues to suffer high mortality on power lines.
Published in Ornis Hungarica, the study tested five different retrofitting techniques on a 15kV electricity distribution line known for its high electrocution rates. All five methods—including conductor insulation, perch deflection using pin-insulators, and suspended insulators— demonstrated significant reductions in bird deaths. The findings provide an urgently needed evidence base for electricity utilities working across Asia and beyond to retrofit existing dangerous infrastructure.
“This research underscores that effective solutions to bird electrocutions are not only available, but also practical,” said Dr. Andrew Dixon, lead author and MBZRCF’s Director of Conservation. “What’s needed now is the will and the partnerships to scale these interventions—so that the Saker Falcon and other raptors can soar safely over their grassland habitats.”
The study was conducted in partnership with the Mongolian Bird Conservation Center, National University of Mongolia, and the Wildlife Science and Conservation Center. It highlights the power of collaboration between researchers, engineers, and local authorities.
“Working alongside MBZRCF, we’ve demonstrated that conservation science can lead to immediate and measurable impact,” said Amartuvshin Purevdorj, Project Manager at the Mongolian Bird Conservation Center. “These findings will inform national efforts to make Mongolia’s power grid safer for birds.”
His Excellency Mr. Abdulla Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Managing Director of MBZRCF, praised the study as an example of applied science serving biodiversity and sustainable development.
“This is exactly the kind of high-impact conservation our Fund was established to support— combining rigorous science, innovative solutions, and local partnerships to protect threatened species,” said Mr. Al Qubaisi. “We are proud to stand behind this work and its practical implications for raptor conservation worldwide.”
About the Mohamed bin Zayed Raptor Conservation Fund (MBZRCF):
Founded in 2018 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the MBZRCF is a global conservation initiative based in Abu Dhabi, dedicated to safeguarding the future of birds of prey through science, species recovery, international partnerships, and by inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders. The Fund supports impactful projects around the world and works closely with local partners to turn science into action.
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