Polyus Magadan regularly performs ornithological monitoring to study the intensity of bird migrations and assess the impact of its business activities on their habitats.
The company announced its interim monitoring results on International Bird Day on 1 April.
In 2008–2017, 86 sedentary and 30 migratory bird species of eight orders were observed in the areas where the Company’s production facilities are located, and nearby territories.
The Magadan Region is mostly home to birds from the Passeridae family (such as sparrows). The willow ptarmigan, black-billed capercaillie, grey wagtail, olive-backed pipit and others also live there.
Scientists believe some species are coming back to the areas where they have not been spotted for years. For example, a recent study noted the return of the Eurasian sparrowhawk, common greenshank, black-headed gull, short-eared owl and three-toed woodpecker.
Two important conclusions were drawn from the monitoring. First, the waterfowl flyways above the Natalka Mine territory are not affected by business activities.
Second, blasting operations are the primary disturbance factor for birds, driving the sedentary species away to adjacent areas.
The next study is scheduled to take place in 2020.