Human activity is almost always behind the scourge of wildfires in Sardinia. Even indirectly. Several fires over the years have affected power lines in the area, particularly those associated with contact with birds. Birds are often electrocuted by high-voltage power lines while in flight or when they land on them. In technical terms, this is called "electrocution," which can then ignite the flames.

This is clearly stated in a report by the Department of the Environment, which, through the Conference of the Regions, is requesting the competent minister to introduce specific legislative initiatives at the national level to limit the dangers.

"For over 130 years, it has been known that collisions and electrocutions on power lines cause the deaths of large numbers of birds globally. Power lines," the document states, "have a significant visual impact on landscapes and transform natural habitats, creating a barrier effect for some animal species. They also contribute to air pollution, as short circuits increase the risk of nearby forest fires."

It is difficult to quantify the exact number of birds killed by power lines, but some reliable data exists. Between 2003 and 2020, the department reports, 398 deaths were recorded. The most affected species is the kestrel (184), followed by the buzzard (84), griffon vulture (49), and barn owl (29). But among the victims are also the Bonelli's eagle (11), golden eagle (8), flamingos (5), osprey (4), Sardinian goshawk (4) and peregrine falcon (4).

By the department's own admission, these are partial but nonetheless significant data: "It is a minimal fraction of the true incidence of this mortality factor, as there is no regular monitoring of power lines in Sardinia. All the individuals listed were equipped with satellite transmitters and represent a minimal fraction of the respective populations that reproduce in Sardinia."

Landscape changes, such as the construction of wind farms and photovoltaic systems in the countryside, could increase the dangers: "Sardinia, due to its geographical position in the western Mediterranean," the report states, "is the ideal territory at a national level for new renewable energy production plants. Consequently, there is an increase in new lines and the adaptation of existing ones."

Among the proposed solutions is that of "isolating the live parts near the supports and the sections of electrical cable closest to the supports themselves. In the case of new lines, the use of supports designed to make simultaneous contact with two cables or one cable and grounding impossible."

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