en.Wedoany.com Reported - BH Airport has initiated GPS monitoring of a Chilean eagle (Geranoaetus melanoleucus), aiming to balance wildlife conservation with airport operational safety. One of the largest birds of prey in South America was found within the airport area and subsequently fitted with tracking equipment.
This eagle, also known as the mountain eagle, sits at the top of the food chain. GPS tracking will be used to collect data on its movement, foraging areas, habitat use, and spatial behavior, providing a basis for scientific research and conservation strategies. The monitoring activity is carried out by the company responsible for wildlife management at the airport. Before release, the specimen underwent clinical and biological assessments at the terminal's wildlife management center, including weight, physical condition, morphological characteristics, and overall health. After confirming its good condition, the tracking device was installed, and it was released into a suitable environmental area.
Emerson Chaves, BH Airport's Infrastructure and Environment Manager, stated that this technology strengthens biodiversity conservation while also enhancing operational safety. More precise tracking of species movement and guidance for decision-making can reduce the risk of bird-aircraft interactions. The Chilean eagle measures over 70 cm in length with a wingspan exceeding 1.5 meters. It is primarily found in open areas, rocky fields, and mountainous regions in southern, southeastern, and central-western Brazil, including the important mountain ranges of Minas Gerais.
In addition to monitoring this eagle, BH Airport maintains a broad environmental management agenda within the APA Carste de Lagoa Santa (Lagoa Santa Karst Environmental Protection Area). This region is a transition zone between the Cerrado and Mata Atlântica biomes. The airport protects over 310 hectares of legal reserves, approximately 790 hectares of native vegetation, and more than 97 hectares of permanent preservation areas.
One initiative is the installation of a wildlife passage (Passagem de Fauna) under the LMG-800 highway, the main road leading to the terminal. This structure serves as an ecological corridor, allowing wildlife to safely cross between forest patches. Since 2023, infrared cameras have recorded 16 species using the passage, including the lesser anteater, ocelot, coati, tayra, and gray brocket deer. Monitoring data shows that wildlife-vehicle collisions along this highway have decreased by approximately 83% within the first two years. The project has received international recognition and helped BH Airport earn the "Green Airport" certification from the Airports Council International Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC) for the fifth consecutive year. In 2025, the wildlife passage won an award at the Green Airport Recognition.
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