CHOICE OF NEST PLATFORM MATERIAL FOR THE WHITE STORK (CICONIA CICONIA)
JASMINA MUZINIC A1 and IVAN CVITAN A2
A1 Institute for Ornithology, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Ilirski trg 9, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
A2 Markoing, d.o.o., Jurkoviceva 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract: Nesting sites of the white stork, Ciconia ciconia (L. 1758), on low- and medium-voltage power poles are a common problem throughout Europe (Zupke, 1975; Fiedler and Wissner, 1980), including in the Republic of Croatia. This situation, which not only endangers the species, but also causes economic damage, can be prevented by installing support platforms on the power poles, above the power lines (Goriup and Schulz, 1991).Various models and materials for such platforms are used in different European countries, although metal is used more often than wood. The choice is usually dependent upon availability. However, to date, no comparative evaluation has been made of there lative risks, advantages, or disadvantages of each material. It is considered essential by conservationists and ornithologists to select the platform material that offers the white stork the greatest degree of nesting safety. Regardless of the construction of the power pole itself (wood, concrete, steel), a metal platform acts as a lightning conductor and represents a potential risk. Any metal mass incorporated into a classically constructed, non-conducting structure should be properly Any non-grounded metal mass struck by lightning may suffer considerable damage. A metal platform used by white storks can also act as a lightning conductor. A mounted metal platform measuring 1.3 1.3 m, with a total mass of 50–100 kg and a surface area of 1.6 m2, is a large structure requiring an effective ground.
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