Animals at Euro-Airport Basel

Foxes as natural pest controllers

The foxes fulfil an important role as natural pest controllers and have a positive impact on flight safety.

Rodents are an attractive food source for birds, particularly birds of prey, which can pose a danger when flying over runways. By reducing the number of rodents, potential collisions between birds and aircraft can be avoided or at least minimised. This is of central importance, as bird strikes can have serious consequences for aircraft, such as a damaged engine or damaged wings.

A recent incident highlighted the urgency of this problem, when an aircraft had to return to EuroAirport following a collision with birds. This incident underscores the need to take measures to reduce the presence of birds near runways. EuroAirport has implemented various strategies to achieve this goal. In addition to deploying foxes, the airport has also installed devices that emit certain frequencies to deter birds. These devices generate noise or sound patterns that are barely perceptible to humans, but are unpleasant for birds and are intended to keep them away from hazardous areas.

Biodiversity at the airport

The EuroAirport's efforts to preserve biodiversity have also received great recognition. The presence of a large variety of insect species, amphibians, bats, birds and plants on the airport grounds has been acknowledged by various organisations and foundations. In 2017, EuroAirport received a double award from the Swiss foundation «Natur und Wirtschaft» and the French association «Biodiversité pour Tous» for its commitment to nature conservation. This award was conferred again in 2020. In the area studied, 112 insect, six amphibian, nine bat, 59 bird and 259 plant species were recorded.

The preservation of biodiversity plays an important role for the airport and goes hand in hand with measures to prevent bird strikes. By creating a habitat for various animal and plant species, the airport contributes to ecological diversity. This is not only significant for ecosystemic balance, but also supports honey bees and other insects that play an important role in the pollination of plants.

EuroAirport has also benefited from the experiences of other airports that have likewise taken measures to reduce bird strike risks. In addition to the use of foxes and other natural predators, airports in Zurich and Frankfurt have created artificial structures for foxes in order to provide them with a safe environment and naturally encourage them to hunt rodents.

Cooperation between airports, animal experts and environmental protection organisations is crucial for developing effective strategies to minimise bird strike risks. By combining natural methods, such as the use of foxes, with technological solutions, such as acoustic devices, airports can significantly reduce the risk of bird strikes while ensuring a sustainable and ecologically responsible approach to flight operations. These measures are of great importance, not only for the safety of passengers and aircraft, but also for the protection of the surrounding natural habitats and ecosystems.

It is important to note that implementing such strategies to prevent bird strikes requires a continuous and coordinated effort. Airports must conduct regular monitoring and evaluation programs to verify the effectiveness of their measures and make adjustments as needed.

Furthermore, travelers and passengers should also recognize their role in preventing bird strikes. Discarding food scraps or open containers outdoors can attract birds, which may lead to dangerous situations. It is therefore important to dispose of waste properly and to respect the instructions and safety measures in airport areas.

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