This handbook and field guide will be an indispensable asset to aerodrome operators, aviation regulators, Ornithologists, Wildlife Hazard Managers and Airfield Monitoring Inspectors working at Indian and foreign aerodromes to effectively contain aerodrome wildlife hazard and reduce bird and animal aircraft collision incidents to desirable levels. Author is confident that using this field guide airport operators can optimize on expenses incurred on machines deployed and manpower employed for intervention of bird and animal menace on aerodromes. Need for outsourcing the entire WHM or BASHM work also can be removed by training the employees of the WHM team. Reducing Bird Strike Rate, animal presence on aerodromes, their concentration on and around live runways, minimizing damage-causing accidents due to collision with large birds and animals (flying and ground) as well as flocking birds. This Field Guide will prove to be a boon to all WHM employees, Ornithologist-cum-WHM Heads, airport operators and aviation regulators. This book is author’s magnum opus a result of his dedication, passion and focus to find out solutions for Aerodrome Wildlife Hazards. Paucity of funds, non-availability of expertise or ignorance should not be used as a fig leaf to cover responsibility and accountability in providing total aviation safety containing bird and animal menace to aircraft flight safety that is non-negotiable.
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Dr S M Satheesan
Dr. S. M. Satheesan is a pioneering expert in Aerodrome Wildlife Hazard Management and one of India’s leading authorities on Bird Aircraft Strike Prevention, with over 46 years of experience across civil and military aerodromes. He holds the distinction of being the first ornithologist-cum-bird strike prevention specialist appointed at an Indian airport.
In 2006, he was appointed as General Manager–Ornithologist (Airport Operations) at Delhi International Airport, where he played a crucial role in managing bird and animal hazards to ensure aviation safety. His work combines scientific research with practical field implementation, earning him national and international recognition.
Dr. Satheesan has participated in major global conferences on bird strike prevention and wildlife conservation across countries including Israel, the USA, UAE, Kenya, France, Spain, and South Africa. His doctoral research on the Pariah Kite (*Milvus migrans govinda*) as a problem species at Indian aerodromes was published in the ICAO Journal in 1992 and continues to be referenced worldwide.
After retiring in 2009, he continues as an independent consultant. He emphasizes that wildlife hazard management is a continuous, 24/7 responsibility requiring vigilance, smart identification of risks, and committed personnel.
A passionate vulture conservationist, he advocates establishing “vulture restaurants” far from cities and aerodromes to protect both aviation safety and ecological balance. He believes vultures are vital scavengers essential to environmental health and underscores the importance of truth and responsibility in building a safe and informed society.
