Bengal florican silhouette against power lines at sunset

Power Lines vs. Wildlife: Can Cambodia's Bengal Floricans Survive?

Beau Callahan in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A critical look at how planned power transmission lines threaten Cambodia's endangered Bengal florican population and what can be done."

Rapid economic development in Southeast Asia is fueling an increasing demand for energy, often met by constructing hydropower dams and associated high-voltage power transmission lines. While these developments aim to bolster economies, they pose a significant threat to bird populations worldwide. Each year, collisions with power lines kill hundreds of millions of birds, and electrocution also factors into avian mortality.

Collisions disproportionately impact species with high wing-loading and low aspect ratios. Heavy bodies and small wings limit quick reactions to obstacles. Species with narrow frontal plane fields of view, such as storks, cranes, and bustards, are especially vulnerable. The Bengal florican (Houbaropsis bengalensis), already critically endangered, faces heightened risks from these developments.

The remaining Indochina population of the Bengal florican breeds in Cambodia's Tonle Sap floodplain. This population has suffered substantial declines. New, high-tension power transmission lines planned for construction starting in 2016 may further reduce their survival rates. Understanding the threats and implementing mitigation strategies is crucial for preserving this species.

Understanding the Threat: How Power Lines Impact Bengal Floricans

Bengal florican silhouette against power lines at sunset

A study published in Oryx examined the potential impacts of planned power lines on Bengal floricans in Cambodia. Researchers monitored 17 individual birds using satellite transmitters over four years to estimate annual adult survival rates. The estimated survival rate was 89.9% (95% CI 82.2–97.6%), which is comparable to that of other bustard species. However, the planned power lines introduce a new dimension of risk.

Analyzing the movement paths of 13 individuals revealed that all annual migration routes between breeding and non-breeding areas crossed the proposed power line route. The route also affected the margins of important breeding concentrations. A review of bustard collision rates confirmed their vulnerability to power lines, indicating a substantial threat to the species' future in Indochina.

Habitat Loss: Rapid loss of floodplain grassland, essential for breeding, is a primary driver of population decline.
Migration Routes: Power lines intersect critical migration paths between breeding and non-breeding areas.
Collision Risk: Bustards, in general, are highly susceptible to fatal collisions with power lines due to their physical characteristics and flight patterns.

These findings underscore the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies to protect Bengal floricans from the dangers posed by power lines. Without intervention, the already vulnerable population could face further declines, potentially leading to irreversible losses.

Mitigation and Moving Forward: Protecting Cambodia's Natural Treasures

Protecting the Bengal florican requires a multi-faceted approach that includes re-routing power lines, installing bird flight deflectors, and conducting further research and stakeholder consultations. Collaboration between Electricité du Cambodge, construction companies, financing entities, and local communities is essential to identify appropriate mitigation areas. By adopting these measures, Cambodia can balance its development goals with the preservation of its unique biodiversity.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/s0030605316000739, Alternate LINK

Title: Proposed Power Transmission Lines In Cambodia Constitute A Significant New Threat To The Largest Population Of The Critically Endangered Bengal FloricanHoubaropsis Bengalensis

Subject: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Journal: Oryx

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: Simon P. Mahood, João P. Silva, Paul M. Dolman, Robert J. Burnside

Published: 2016-12-06

Everything You Need To Know

What are the main threats to the Bengal florican population in Cambodia, considering new power line developments?

The primary threats to Bengal floricans include habitat loss due to the rapid disappearance of floodplain grassland crucial for breeding, the intersection of power lines with their critical migration routes between breeding and non-breeding areas, and the high risk of fatal collisions with power lines, a common issue for bustards due to their physical characteristics and flight patterns.

What specific research has been conducted to understand the impact of power lines on Bengal floricans, and what were the key findings?

The study published in *Oryx* monitored 17 individual Bengal floricans using satellite transmitters over four years. It estimated an annual adult survival rate of 89.9%. The research revealed that all annual migration routes of 13 tracked birds crossed the path of the proposed power lines. The study also reviewed bustard collision rates, confirming their vulnerability to power lines.

What mitigation strategies are proposed to protect Bengal floricans from the dangers posed by power lines, and who needs to be involved?

Effective mitigation strategies include re-routing power lines to avoid critical habitats and migration routes, installing bird flight deflectors on power lines to increase their visibility and reduce collision risks, and conducting further research and stakeholder consultations to inform conservation efforts. Collaboration among organizations is essential for the success of these mitigation efforts.

Why are Bengal floricans particularly vulnerable to collisions with power lines compared to other bird species?

Power lines pose a significant threat to Bengal floricans due to their flight patterns and physical characteristics. Bengal floricans have high wing-loading and low aspect ratios. They also have narrow frontal plane fields of view which limit quick reactions to obstacles, making them particularly susceptible to fatal collisions. The placement of these lines across their migration routes exacerbates the risk.

What is the broader implication of power line construction on the conservation of Bengal floricans, and what role do different stakeholders play in ensuring their survival?

The survival of the Bengal florican depends on collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, including Electricité du Cambodge, construction companies, financing entities, and local communities. These groups must work together to identify appropriate mitigation areas, implement effective strategies such as re-routing power lines and installing bird flight deflectors, and ensure that development goals are balanced with the preservation of Cambodia’s unique biodiversity.