YVR | Airport Authority | Wildlife Management

2006 Summary Report

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located along a major Pacific Flyway through which millions of birds travel each year. The airport is situated on Sea Island south of the Sea Island Conservation Area and adjacent to prime waterfowl habitats on the Sturgeon Banks foreshore.

To reduce the risks associated with birds at the airport, the Airport Authority maintains a comprehensive wildlife management program, recognized as being among the best in the world. Our program has four components: habitat management, monitoring, movement of birds away from aircraft operating areas through harassment techniques and, where a safety risk is perceived, killing of birds. No less than two wildlife officers patrol YVR’s 1,300-hectare grounds at all times.

Habitat management is the most important component of the wildlife program. Where possible, habitats on airport lands are modified to reduce their attractiveness to hazardous wildlife species. Management techniques include carefully managing grass, weeds and other vegetation; water drainage; nesting and perching spots; garbage accumulation; and building design.

Through our wildlife monitoring, biologists track bird populations on and adjacent to the airport, study their behavior, and keep detailed records of bird activity. This information allows us to learn from and improve our wildlife management efforts.

In 2006, approximately 2.024 million birds were moved away from aircraft operating areas using a variety of harassment techniques, including pyrotechnics, sirens, lights, propane cannons, and specially trained Border Collies. This represents a 27% increase over 2005.

While habitat management and harassment techniques are the primary tools used, killing occurs when the officer perceives a safety risk. This may consist of an immediate risk to an approaching aircraft, or a potential or chronic risk that has increased to unacceptable levels. In 2006, 1,269 birds were killed by control officers.

Meanwhile, the number of bird-strikes decreased by 4% over 2005 results. In 2006, 244 birds were killed in 149 bird-strikes with aircraft. The largest portion of the bird -strikes in 2006 involved barn swallows, which, because of their size, pose less of a safety risk than larger bird species. Factors that contribute to bird-strikes include aircraft operations, environmental conditions and natural variability in bird populations.

The bird-strike rate measures the number of bird-strikes with aircraft per 10,000 take-offs and landings. In 2006, YVR’s bird-strike rate was 4.7. Airport Authority’s target rate continues to be zero for 2007.

Bird Strikes Rate

To help us in our efforts, we undertake a wildlife monitoring program to track bird populations on and adjacent to the airport. Statistics are tracked for wildlife control activity, bird-strikes and birds killed by control officers. Annual summary reports are prepared and submitted to Transport Canada, Environment Canada and the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.

Controlling birds makes YVR safer for everyone. Ongoing monitoring and analysis allow us to learn from and improve our wildlife management efforts.