LTG Group has launched a pilot project to test an acoustic wildlife deterrent system aimed at reducing collisions between trains and wild animals. The initiative is expected to help mitigate environmental risks, support biodiversity conservation, and reduce economic losses.

‘Collisions with wild animals—particularly large ones—have serious consequences for both nature and our operations. That’s why we’re constantly seeking solutions to make railways safer for everyone, humans and animals alike. These small whistles are a great example of how thoughtful technological solutions can contribute to that goal’ said Vytautas Bitinas, Chief Technology Officer at LTG Group.

Each year, incidents involving wild animals are recorded across Lithuania’s railway infrastructure network. These events pose not only environmental and ethical challenges but also cause service disruptions and significant financial losses, including rolling stock repairs, infrastructure maintenance costs, and compensation for passenger delays.

Drawing on the experience of railway companies in Poland, Sweden, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Hungary, it has been found that acoustic and visual deterrents can reduce wildlife collisions by as much as 85–93 %. While it is currently impossible to eliminate the risk entirely, the pilot aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the selected acoustic solution.

The core technology in this pilot is the SIREN7 device, manufactured in Hungary and already successfully tested on PKP Intercity trains operating in Poland. In Lithuania, 13 LTG Link trains are currently equipped with the system, and this autumn, 16 LTG Cargo mainline locomotives will also be included in the project.

Before launching the full-scale, year-long pilot, the system was tested for two weeks on a passenger train and a mainline locomotive to ensure it did not negatively affect train drivers. No adverse effects were observed; furthermore, the drivers reported that wild animals responded more quickly and moved away from the tracks. The final results of the pilot project will be assessed in the second half of 2026.

In addition to acoustic measures, LTG plans to test visual deterrents next year—specifically, reflective devices designed to repel animals, which will be installed along a railway section several kilometres in length. The combined use of acoustic and visual solutions is expected to offer even greater protection for wildlife, passengers, and infrastructure.

This initiative directly supports the goals set by the United Nations Biodiversity Conference and the European Commission. Both organisations are committed to preserving biodiversity, preventing habitat fragmentation, and halting the extinction of endangered species by 2050.