Wildlife in Airport Environments : Preventing Animal-Aircraft Collisions through Science-Based Management

The pilot watches the instrument panel and prepares for touchdown - a routine landing until a burst of birds, a coyote, or a herd of deer crosses the runway! Every year, pilots experience this tension and many aircraft come into direct contact with birds and other wildlife, resulting in more than one billion dollars in damage annually. The United States Federal Aviation Administration has recorded a rise in these incidents over the past decade due to the combined effects of more reporting, rebounding wildlife populations, and an increased number of flights. Wildlife in Airport Environments tackles the issue of what to do about encounters with wildlife in and around airports - from rural, small-craft airparks to major international hubs. Whether the problem is birds or bats in the flight path or a moose on the runway, the authors provide a thorough overview of the science behind wildlife management at airports. This well-written, carefully documented volume presents a clear synthesis for researchers, wildlife managers, and airport professionals. The book belongs in the hands of all those charged with minimizing the risks that wildlife pose to air travel. Wildlife in Airport Environments is the first book in the series Wildlife Management and Conservation and is published in association with The Wildlife Society. Contributors: Michael L. Avery, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Jerrold L. Belant, Mississippi State University; Kristin M. Biondi, Mississippi State University; Bradley F. Blackwell, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Jonathon D. Cepek, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Larry Clark, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Tara J. Conkling, Mississippi State University; Scott R. Craven, University of Wisconsin-Madison; Paul D. Curtis, Cornell University; Travis L. DeVault, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Richard A. Dolbeer, U.S. Department of Agriculture; David Felstul, U.S. Department of the Interior; Esteban Fernandez-Juricic, Purdue University. Contributors: Alan B. Franklin, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Sidney A. Gauthreaux Jr., Clemson University; Michael Lavelle, U.S. Department of Agriculture; James A. Martin, Mississippi State University; Rebecca Mihalco, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Paige M. Schmidt, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Thomas W. Seamans, U.S. Department of Agriculture; Kurt C. VerCauteren, U.S. Department of Agriculture; and Brian E. Washburn, U.S. Department of Agriculture.