The environmental organization ATAN has denounced the continuous death of wild birds due to collisions with transparent acoustic screens installed on various sections of Tenerife's highways, with a particular focus on the TF-1. The carcasses of species such as canaries, blackbirds, and doves have been repeatedly found, as they do not perceive these panels as obstacles due to their vision.
The findings have been systematically reported to the Cabildo de Tenerife, whose environmental agents have collected the specimens and prepared reports. However, ATAN regrets that, despite communications made months ago to the Roads Service, responsible for these infrastructures, no corrective measures have been implemented nor have the requests been answered.
Collisions with transparent or reflective surfaces are one of the main human impacts on avifauna worldwide, causing millions of deaths annually. Studies in the United States estimate over a billion bird deaths each year. Although specific studies are lacking in Spain, the issue is known to public administrations and the scientific community.
ATAN recalls that the guidelines from the Ministry of Transport include simple and low-cost technical solutions, such as installing vinyls or graphic patterns on transparent surfaces to increase their visibility. These widely tested measures are already applied in other infrastructures.
The association warns that the situation on the TF-1 could be repeated on other road sections in Tenerife with similar screens. Detecting carcasses is difficult in many locations, which is why ATAN considers the widespread implementation of preventive measures essential.
The Environmental Prosecutor's Office has warned about the need to act on this issue, and recent legislation strengthens the protection of wild fauna. ATAN announces that if immediate measures are not taken, it will initiate legal actions to determine responsibilities.
Every day that passes without action means new bird deaths. Administrations know the problem, have technical tools to solve it, and have been repeatedly informed. When damage is known, avoidable, and persists due to inaction, it is appropriate to demand accountability.
The organization requests the Cabildo de Tenerife to urgently adopt corrective measures on all transparent acoustic screens on the island's road network and to conduct a technical evaluation of these infrastructures. ATAN also reminds citizens that if they find dead or injured birds, they should report it to the authorities without handling the specimens to avoid hindering official documentation.
