Tenerife Installs Anti-Collision Decals on Motorway Barriers to Protect Local Birds

Tenerife’s Island Council has taken a practical step toward protecting local wildlife by installing a new safety measure on the TF-1 motorway to prevent bird collisions. The project focuses on a 93-meter stretch of road in Candelaria, near Calle Frailes Dominicos, where birds were frequently striking transparent acoustic barriers located near their nesting grounds.

Technical reports from the island’s Biodiversity Unit and environmental experts confirmed that the 24 glass panels were nearly invisible to birds, leading to frequent accidents. To solve this, the council applied vinyl decals featuring vertical white stripes to the glass. This simple, cost-effective solution makes the barriers visible to birds without compromising their function.

This initiative highlights the importance of balancing road infrastructure with environmental conservation. Officials from the Roads and Natural Environment departments noted that this project was a direct response to both scientific findings and concerns raised by local conservation groups.

By working together, the two departments have successfully updated existing infrastructure to be more sustainable. This project serves as a model for how road maintenance can evolve to protect local biodiversity, ensuring that safety features designed for humans no longer pose a threat to the island's wildlife.