Current:Home > FinanceWhen do bird and bat deaths from wind turbines peak? Fatalities studied to reduce harm-InfoLens
When do bird and bat deaths from wind turbines peak? Fatalities studied to reduce harm
View Date:2024-12-23 20:10:50
New research could help reduce bat and bird fatalities at wind farms in the United States.
According to the analysis published in PLOS One earlier this year, bat fatalities at wind farms peak in certain seasons.The research comes amid growing concern that an increase of wind farms for renewable energy is jeopardizing bird populations.
The analyzed database — developed by the Renewable Energy Wildlife Institute (REWI) to help researchers understand the scope of these fatalities and ripple effects on the larger populations — draws from the American Wind Wildlife Information Center’s post-construction bird and bat fatality data, collected between 2009 – 2021 across 248 operating wind facilities (nearly a third of installed U.S. wind farms). REWI provides “the most detailed, geographically extensive data set of its kind,” according to authors of the study.
To help reduce fatalities, researchers must first understand why birds and bats collide with turbines in the first place, authors wrote. Previous research has looked into the seasonal patterns in collision fatality rates in a smaller geographical scale.
More:Whale deaths exploited in 'cynical disinformation' campaign against offshore wind power, advocates say
“Collision fatalities among birds and bats have been an incidental effect of wind energy since the first large-scale deployments of wind turbines,” authors wrote. “Several decades later, minimizing collision fatalities while maximizing energy production remains a key challenge in efforts to reconcile wildlife conservation with the rapid increase in wind energy that is needed to slow global warming.”
Patterns of bird and bat wind turbine deaths
The most common bat and bird species to collide with turbines are migratory — meaning they travel long distances seasonally — and fatalities peak during seasonal migration, according to the study. It's difficult to get true estimates of species- or family-specific patterns due to relatively small sample sizes, according to authors.
- Bird fatalities peak with spring (May) and autumn (September) migration, although fatalities appear to be more common in autumn compared to spring.
- Like birds, most of the bats killed in collisions with wind turbines undertake seasonal migrations; however, most bat fatalities peak once for a lengthier period of time: from mid- to late summer until early autumn (mid-July to early September) corresponding with migration to wintering areas and mating periods.
- Adjusted fatality rates of bats are highest at wind energy facilities in the upper Midwest and eastern forests.
- Although it is difficult to track specific bat species, some may have differing migratory patterns, meaning fatality rates for specific species could peak later in the year.
“Apparent differences in timing highlight the need to consider species-specific behaviors as an additional element of (wind turbine) risk,” authors stated.
More:About 150 eagles killed by wind turbines; company to pay millions after guilty plea
According to a report by the Associated Press published last month and reporting from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, part of USA TODAY Network, officials ramped up issuing permits in recent years that will allow wind energy companies to kill thousands of eagles without legal consequence. Data obtained by AP from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service showed a falloff in enforcement of protection laws for killing or harming protected bald and golden eagles, which began during former President Trump's administration.
The outlet’s findings highlight an ongoing dilemma for officials who must weigh the tradeoffs of clean power development as more birds die from collisions.
“They are rolling over backwards for wind companies,” Mike Lockhart, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist, told the AP. “I think they are killing a hell of a lot more eagles than they ever anticipated.”
According to AP, some wind farm companies have relocated turbines or reduced their numbers to minimize deaths. At the same time, President Biden’s administration has a pending proposal that would further streamline permits that would allow wind-energy projects and power line networks to harm eagles and disturb their nests.
veryGood! (28)
Related
- Gun groups sue to overturn Maine’s new three-day waiting period to buy firearms
- Caeleb Dressel isn't the same swimmer he was in Tokyo but has embraced a new perspective
- Steve McMichael, battling ALS, inducted into Hall of Fame in ceremony from home
- Mark Kelly may be Kamala Harris' VP pick: What that would mean for Americans
- Democrat Ruben Gallego wins Arizona US Senate race against Republican Kari Lake
- Screw the monarchy: Why 'House of the Dragon' should take this revolutionary twist
- When does Simone Biles compete next? Olympics gymnastics schedule for vault final
- Pregnant Cardi B Asks Offset for Child Support for Baby No. 3 Amid Divorce
- Mike Tyson impresses crowd during workout ahead of Jake Paul fight
- J.Crew’s Epic Weekend Sale Features an Extra 60% off Clearance Styles with Tops Starting at $8
Ranking
- Kraft Heinz stops serving school-designed Lunchables because of low demand
- Olympic track recap: Sha'Carri Richardson gets silver in women's 100M in shocking race
- 'SNL' cast departures: Punkie Johnson, Molly Kearney exit
- Here’s Why Blake Lively Doesn’t Use Conditioner—And How Her Blake Brown Products Can Give You Iconic Hair
- North Carolina offers schools $1 million to help take students on field trips
- Olympic medals today: What is the medal count at 2024 Paris Games on August 3?
- Millie Bobby Brown Shares Sweet Glimpse Into Married Life With Jake Bongiovi
- Olympic Athletes' Surprising Day Jobs, From Birthday Party Clown to Engineer
Recommendation
-
Judge extends the time to indict the driver accused of killing Johnny Gaudreau and his brother
-
Rejuvenated Steelers QB Russell Wilson still faces challenges on path to redemption
-
Michigan voters to choose party candidates for crucial Senate race in battleground state
-
Josh Hall Breaks Silence on Christina Hall Divorce He Did Not Ask For
-
The Daily Money: Inflation is still a thing
-
Is Sha'Carri Richardson running today? Olympics track and field schedule, times for Aug. 3
-
Team USA men's beach volleyball players part ways with coach mid-Games
-
Aerosmith retires from touring permanently due to Steven Tyler injury: Read full statement