Animaltalk Magazine|October 2017

To chase birds off the runway and out of harm’s way

Article Reader

 

Chasing birds with the wind in their hair, and sometimes in their mouths, is what the dogs of the Bird Strike Avoidance Project at OR Tambo International Airport live for. Actually, it’s their daily job – to wake up in the morning and chase unwanted birds off to ensure that the grasslands surrounding the runways are clear. Not only can an aeroplane lose its engine when it strikes a big bird, but the bird is also killed instantly. To replace an engine of a Boeing 747-800 costs in the region of US$12 million.

Patrolling the airport

Animaltalk had the opportunity to go out with the dogs to follow them on a daily round. The team of dogs, which consists of two Border Collies and two English Springer Spaniels, actively patrols the two runways and the grasslands adjacent to the runways from dawn to dusk. The patrols take place with their handlers in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

“When a bird is sighted by one of the handlers, the working dog is given a whistle command and the dog then actively chases or flushes the bird,” explains Melissa Hofmann, senior wildlife officer, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA).

この蚘事は Animaltalk Magazine の October 2017 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

この蚘事は Animaltalk Magazine の October 2017 版に掲茉されおいたす。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トラむアルを開始しお、䜕千もの厳遞されたプレミアム ストヌリヌ、9,000 以䞊の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしおください。

ANIMALTALK MAGAZINEのその他の蚘事すべお衚瀺
Battle Of The Bell
Animaltalk Magazine

Battle Of The Bell

Is the bell on your cat’s collar a good idea, or not?

time-read
2 分  |
December 2019
Kriya Gangiah To The Rescue
Animaltalk Magazine

Kriya Gangiah To The Rescue

How Louis got saved from the shelter

time-read
3 分  |
December 2019
17 Tips For A Healthy Fish Tank
Animaltalk Magazine

17 Tips For A Healthy Fish Tank

When it comes to a fish tank, it is important to understand that you are creating a little aquatic ecosystem and, in this system, every living organism must live in harmony. The experts have a saying: “better preparation for better results” – so always do your research about your type of fish and the type of tank they need.

time-read
3 分  |
December 2019
Fear Not, Little One
Animaltalk Magazine

Fear Not, Little One

24 tips to prepare your dog to handle loud noises

time-read
4 分  |
November 2019
Lessons From The Dodo
Animaltalk Magazine

Lessons From The Dodo

Human influence can accelerate natural phenomena in harmful ways

time-read
5 分  |
November 2019
Emigration 101
Animaltalk Magazine

Emigration 101

What you need to know before you leave

time-read
6 分  |
November 2019
Love Me More
Animaltalk Magazine

Love Me More

7 things your dog wants you to know

time-read
5 分  |
November 2019
Burmese Cats
Animaltalk Magazine

Burmese Cats

A strong, healthy breed according to the facts and research

time-read
3 分  |
November 2019
So Cool At School
Animaltalk Magazine

So Cool At School

Wendy, the Belgian Shepherd (Malinois), is the first resident narcotics detection dog to be introduced at a South African high school

time-read
4 分  |
November 2019
A Hard Lesson To Learn
Animaltalk Magazine

A Hard Lesson To Learn

DJ Jazzy D tells us about his five English Bulldogs and what he’s learnt

time-read
3 分  |
November 2019