Wildlife strike risk assessment at an international airport in the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico

Abstract

Aircraft collisions with birds and other wildlife, commonly referred to as wildlife strikes, represent a real hazard to aircraft. This study aimed to assess the risk of wildlife strikes at the Puerto Escondido International Airport (PEIA). Between October 2021 and June 2022, morning and afternoon perimeter surveys were conducted within the PEIA to identify sections of the perimeter fence that were deficient and to record all evidence of wildlife presence. Species richness and their abundance were determined using perimeter surveys. Additionally, camera traps were deployed. To determine the degree of risk that a fauna species may represent, a new wildlife strike risk index (WSRI) was developed. A failure in the stormwater drainage channel was found within the security perimeter. A total of 50 wild vertebrate species were registered, of which 38 were bird species, nine mammals, two reptiles, and one amphibian. Three were classified as high-risk species. Not all bird species pose the same risk to aircraft at airports; therefore, the WSRI allows efforts to focus on repelling those species with the highest scores. Our study provides a valuable contribution to wildlife managers in their efforts to control and manage potential hazard to aircraft.