How are wildlife hazard assessments conducted?

Wildlife hazard assessments are primarily conducted by a wildlife biologist due to their specialized training and expertise in understanding animal behavior, habitat use, and interactions with human environments. These professionals have the necessary background to evaluate the specific wildlife risks present in and around airports. They can accurately identify species that pose potential threats and assess the ecological factors at play, which include habitat availability and food sources that might attract wildlife to airport areas.

This expert-driven approach ensures that the data collected is reliable and actionable, allowing for effective management strategies to mitigate wildlife hazards. Wildlife biologists can also interpret the significance of their findings within the broader context of aviation safety and environmental conservation, leading to tailored solutions for each airport's unique situation.

Using random observations alone does not provide the structured and informed analysis that a trained biologist can offer, while automated technology might assist in monitoring but lacks the nuanced understanding necessary for comprehensive assessments. Additionally, while the airport management team plays a critical role in implementing safety protocols, they typically rely on the expertise of wildlife biologists to conduct initial assessments and guide decision-making regarding wildlife management strategies.