Ecological management of bird strike risk in Hangzhou Airport, based on field survey and diet analysis

Bird strikes represent a significant hazard to aviation safety, with potential consequences including aircraft damage, operational disruptions, and safety risks. We investigated bird strike mitigation strategies for Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport through comprehensive ecological monitoring and molecular analysis. In this study, we employed line transect surveys for avian and botanical resource assessment, coupled with DNA barcoding techniques for bird strike sample identification and dietary analysis. Our year-round monitoring (2023), species identification of bird strike samples and flight behavior of species revealed three high-risk species during spring migration: the Barn Swallow ( Hirundo rustica ), Grey Nightjar ( Caprimulgus indicus ), and Swinhoe’s Snipe ( Gallinago megala ). Dietary analysis through DNA macrobarcoding identified Diptera as the primary food source for both Barn Swallows and Swinhoe’s Snipes, while Lepidoptera dominated the Grey Nightjar’s diet. Among the plants supporting these prey organisms, it was found Rosales supported the Barn Swallow’s prey base, Laurales and Ericales sustained the Grey Nightjar’s food sources, and Fabales maintained the ecological foundation for Swinhoe’s Snipe. Based on these findings, we recommend targeted vegetation management strategies for airport grounds, including selective weed control, reduction of lawn biodiversity through grass species selection, and increased mowing frequency in flight areas. These measures aim to disrupt the local food web that attracts high-risk bird species, thereby reducing bird strike probabilities while maintaining necessary ecological balance in the airport environment.