The presence of wildlife in airport areas represents a significant risk to operational safety, especially due to the potential for bird strikes. This problem affects air operations and also poses environmental challenges related to the conservation of surrounding ecosystems. Therefore, wildlife mitigation at airports requires comprehensive approaches that combine technical knowledge, community engagement, and environmental education.

This paper aims to strengthen knowledge about wildlife mitigation strategies in airport environments through a methodology that integrates the training of Aeronautical Engineering students, dialogue with local communities, and direct field observation.

The methodology was based on three main components:
(1) a field visit to an airport, with the recording of wildlife sightings, assessment of critical zones, and observation of control measures implemented;
(2) work sessions and interviews with communities near the airport to identify local practices, perceptions of risk, and possible collaborative strategies for wildlife management;
(3) educational and reflective activities with Aeronautical Engineering students, who analyzed the problem from technical, operational, and environmental perspectives.

The results made it possible to map high-risk areas due to the presence of wildlife, identify frequent species, and establish links between land use in neighboring communities and the increase of wildlife activity within the airport perimeter. Additionally, proposals were developed by the students, including awareness campaigns, improvement of physical barriers, and collaborative work with communities to modify practices that attract wildlife. The integration of technical knowledge with local knowledge was key to proposing viable, sustainable, and contextually appropriate solutions.

Keywords: Wildlife mitigation, airports, local communities, environment, Aeronautical Engineering.