Landscape-scale reduction of raptor electrocution hotspots through targeted mitigation and utility-company collaboration

Abstract Electrocution on power lines is one of the main anthropogenic causes of mortality in birds of prey worldwide and represents a major conservation concern for long-lived raptor species. Because mortality is spatially aggregated, a relatively small number of dangerous pylons can account for a disproportionate share of electrocution events, suggesting that targeted mitigation strategies may substantially improve conservation efficiency. We evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative mitigation agreement between the Andalusian Government and the main electricity company in southern Spain (ENEL-ENDESA) by analysing temporal changes in the prevalence of electrocution blackspots. Using the official long-term electrocution database of Andalusia, we compared the proportion of 10×10 km UTM grid cells classified as mortality blackspots in 2014–2019 and during implementation of the agreement (2020–2025). Blackspots were defined as grid cells with more than 10 electrocuted raptors (orders Accipitriformes, Falconiformes and Strigiformes) recorded during both study periods. The proportion of blackspot grid cells decreased from 14.9% (44/295) before the agreement to 7.3% (28/381) during the mitigation period, despite increased sampling effort in the latter period. Differences between periods were significant, and the estimated odds ratio (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.27–0.74) indicated a reduction of approximately 45% in the odds of a grid cell being classified as a blackspot. Importantly, this reduction was achieved after retrofitting only 13,166 hazardous pylons, representing approximately 5.2% of the estimated dangerous poles in Andalusia. Our results demonstrate that scientifically guided, spatially targeted mitigation programs developed through coordinated collaboration between conservation authorities and electricity companies can efficiently reduce the risk of electrocution at the landscape scale and help lower extinction risk for some endangered predator species.