Ultrasonic Bird Repellent System Installed at Antalya Nekropol Müzesi to Prevent Bird Deaths

Located in the center of Antalya and built over the Eastern Necropolis Area of the ancient city of Attaleia, the Nekropol Müzesi is going through a challenging process regarding the preservation of historical artifacts and the resolution of bird-related issues. The steel construction roof system covering the museum was being heavily used as a nesting area by pigeons and other bird species. After bird droppings caused severe damage to the 2,300-year-old historical burial site and structural components, authorities decided to take urgent measures. In this process, which the Antalya Rölöve ve Anıtlar Bölge Müdürlüğü became involved in in 2023, the lower and intermediate openings of the roof were primarily closed off with a metal wire mesh system. However, this implementation laid the groundwork for unintended tragic outcomes.

Birds that managed to enter through the gaps left by the wire mesh system on the bars became trapped inside when they could not find their way out, and many of them died. This situation drew the reaction of many environmentalists and animal lovers, especially the members of the Hayvan Hakları Platformu Antalya. Platform members held a press statement in front of the museum, demanding an immediate end to the bird deaths in this unique burial site, which bears the traces of the Ancient Age. Following the incident's reflection in the media, authorities sought a more humane and effective solution to both protect the animals' lives and secure the historical artifacts. This crisis brought the delicate balance between the preservation of cultural heritage and animal rights back to the agenda.

Veysel Akın, Manager of Antalya Rölöve ve Anıtlar, shared the details of the process and the new steps taken with the public. According to Akın's statements, it was determined that the roof covering with an exposed space frame system was highly conducive to bird nesting, which created health risks and caused contamination in the exhibition spaces. The wire mesh system, installed with the principle of not damaging the architectural fabric, could not fully prevent bird entry at certain points that could not be intervened upon due to architectural copyright issues. Additionally, with the onset of rainfall, water leaks originating from the roof emerged as a new problem. It was reported that a protocol was signed between the Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı and the Antalya Büyükşehir Belediyesi to resolve the water leakage, and waterproofing works were carried out by the municipality.

When the openings made in the metal mesh system and roof windows during the closure process caused birds to re-enter, the museum administration turned to a different technology. To evacuate the birds that had entered the roof, the roof windows were left open for a temporary period, and ultrasonic bird repellent systems were installed in these areas. Thanks to this system, the birds were disturbed auditorily and directed towards the outside of the building without being harmed, and the evacuation process was successfully completed. Manager Akın stated that there were no birds left inside the roof area that could not get out, and all living creatures were secured. The use of ultrasonic devices eliminated the risk of deadly traps created by the wire mesh, offering a modern solution.

In the final stage reached, a comprehensive monitoring and control mechanism was implemented to ensure that the same problems do not recur. In addition to the museum's existing security camera system, a new and independent camera system was installed, specifically positioned to view the roof surface and the metal mesh-closed areas. Through these cameras, any bird entry or exit to the roof area is meticulously monitored on a 24/7 basis. Authorities guaranteed that in the event of any vulnerability or bird entry being detected, additional precautions for the relevant areas would be taken immediately. Thus, the Nekropol Müzesi will continue to present its 2,300-year-old historical texture to its visitors while sustaining cultural preservation without threatening natural life.