Rare Bird Conservation: DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids installed 30 artificial nests for long-eared owls and scoops

The scoop and long-eared owl are rare owl species living in Ukraine, included in the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, the CITES Convention and the Red Book of Ukraine. The number of these birds is decreasing due to human activities, such as deforestation. To help preserve the owl population, workers from DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids make and install artificial nests on trees. These are special boxes that imitate the hollow of a tree.

“DTEK is transforming its business in accordance with the New Strategy 2030, based on ESG principles, values and responsibility for progress in achieving the sustainable development goals of the UN Global Compact. Last year we started to install purpose-built platforms for stork nests. Thanks to this initiative, we have saved about 200 white storks, 120 of which are chicks. This year we are pursuing our mission to strengthen the stork nests. We are installing 50 platforms in the Kyiv region. In addition, we took care of the owl population and built 30 artificial nests. These initiatives of ours are in line with Sustainable Development Goal No. 15 "Preserving Terrestrial Ecosystems" of the UN General Assembly,” says Vitaliy Shaida, Head of DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids.

The energy workers of DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids made artificial houses with their own hands and installed them using an aerial platform at the most convenient height for owls - 5-7 meters. Places for installation were agreed with representatives of the Arboretum Oleksandriya of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

“There used to be an old linden tree near one of the ponds in the park and an owl lived in it. For three years, I watched this owl every day: how she raised chicks, brought them food. This year the linden fell and now the owl has nowhere to live. Thanks to the artificial nests for owls set by the energy workers, we hope that their population in the park will increase,” says the huntsman Grigory Tiga.

See our short video on how DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids is installing artificial nests for owls here.

Let us recall that DTEK Kyiv Regional Grids joined the DTEK Grids Bird Safety Program in 2020. The Distribution System Operator installed 41 stork nesting platforms across the region last year. This year the company took part in the #EnergyWings environmental education project and is installing 50 nesting platforms for storks.

* The Arboretum Oleksandriya of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine is one of the largest parks in Ukraine with an area of over 400 hectares. In the park there are more than 100 species of woody, shrub and herbaceous plants and contains more than 86 collection species of animals and birds, of which 13 species are included in the Red Book of Ukraine.