| Wind Watch is a registered educational charity, founded in 2005. |
Researchers say microturbines could kill thousands of bats and birds
Credit: BBC News | 3 December 2014 | www.bbc.co.uk ~~
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Translate: FROM English | TO English
Thousands of birds and bats could be killed by the development of small domestic wind turbines, researchers in Stirling have warned.
Domestic “microturbines” are growing in popularity among homeowners.
However, researchers at the University of Stirling say planning measures must be introduced to keep them away from bird and bat habitats.
The study is the first to address small turbines rather than large wind farms.
Previous research has suggested that birds and bats may be killed in “significant” numbers by colliding with turbines at large wind farms.
The Stirling research, carried out in collaboration with the British Trust for Ornithology, claims small turbines could have a similar impact.
Microturbine growth
More than 19,000 microturbines are already in place in the UK, mainly in domestic and farmland settings, and their use has increased due to technological advances and financial incentives.
The study used data, questionnaires from turbine owners and computer modelling to calculate that up to 5,510 birds and 3,363 bats could be killed every year by these turbines.
The research team also found that bats have started avoiding microturbine development sites, abandoning potentially suitable feeding areas.
The research, which has been published in the Biodiversity and Conservation journal, concluded that turbines must be carefully positioned to avoid installing them in areas where bird and bat activity is likely to be high.
Dr Jeroen Minderman from the university’s school of natural sciences said: “Bird and bat deaths are a reality at small wind turbine sites.”
This article is the work of the source indicated. Any opinions expressed in it are not necessarily those of National Wind Watch.
The copyright of this article resides with the author or publisher indicated. As part of its noncommercial educational effort to present the environmental, social, scientific, and economic issues of large-scale wind power development to a global audience seeking such information, National Wind Watch endeavors to observe “fair use” as provided for in section 107 of U.S. Copyright Law and similar “fair dealing” provisions of the copyright laws of other nations. Send requests to excerpt, general inquiries, and comments via e-mail.
| Wind Watch relies entirely on User Funding |
 (via Stripe) |
 (via Paypal) |
Share:
[ Short URL: https://wind-watch.org/news/?p=68434 ]
| Tag: Wildlife |
