Swiss Railways Takes Action to Protect Endangered Eagle-Owls

Swiss Federal Railways has launched a groundbreaking initiative to protect endangered eagle-owls from electrocution on railway infrastructure. The national project, developed in collaboration with the Federal Office for Environment (FOEN), aims to modify dangerous contact line masts that have become inadvertent death traps for these magnificent birds of prey.

The situation has become critical for Switzerland's eagle-owl population, with electrocution accounting for approximately one-third of recorded deaths. These impressive birds, sporting a wingspan of 1.80 meters, are particularly vulnerable when they perch on railway contact line masts. Their natural instinct to seek high vantage points for hunting has turned these artificial structures into lethal hazards, as their wings can simultaneously touch two conductive elements, resulting in fatal electric shocks.

The Swiss Federal Railways has initiated a comprehensive pilot project to address this critical issue. The first phase involves creating an inventory of dangerous locations and prioritizing high-risk areas for immediate intervention. While some protective modifications were already implemented in 2023 and 2024, authorities acknowledge that numerous hazardous structures still require attention. The project not only benefits wildlife conservation but also helps prevent service disruptions and damage to railway infrastructure.

The initiative represents a crucial step in protecting Switzerland's stagnating eagle-owl population, particularly in the Alpine regions. By addressing one of the primary causes of mortality, the project aims to reverse the concerning trend in eagle-owl numbers. The FOEN emphasizes that while progress has been made, continued effort is necessary to secure all dangerous installations. This project demonstrates Switzerland's commitment to balancing infrastructure development with wildlife conservation.