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Resource Documents: Wildlife (324 items)
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Forest bat activity declines with increasing wind speed in proximity of operating wind turbines
Author: Ellerbrok, Julia; Farwig, Nina; Peter, Franziska; and Voigt, Christian
[Abstract] The increasing use of onshore wind energy is leading to an increased deployment of wind turbines in structurally rich habitats such as forests. Forest-affiliated bats, in turn, are at risk of colliding with the rotor blades. Due to the legal protection of bats in Europe, it is imperative to restrict the operation of wind turbines to periods of low bat activity to avoid collisions. However, bats have also been observed to avoid wind turbines over several hundred meters distance, . . .
More »How far are birds, bats, and terrestrial mammals displaced from onshore wind power development? A systematic review
Author: Tolvanen, Anne; et al.
Highlights 63 %, 72 %, and 67 % of bird, bat, and mammal cases respectively reported displacement. Cranes, owls and semi-domestic reindeer were displaced on average up to 5 km. Bats were displaced on average up to 1 km in 21 out of 29 cases. Findings of no displacement resulted from methodology, species, and environment. Information on displacement helps to mitigate the effects of wind power on wildlife. Abstract Wind power is a rapidly growing source of energy worldwide. It is crucial for climate change . . .
More »Potential Hydrodynamic Impacts of Offshore Wind Energy on Nantucket Shoals Regional Ecology: An Evaluation from Wind to Whales
Author: Committee on Evaluation of Hydrodynamic Modeling and Implications for Offshore Wind Development; and Ocean Studies Board
The transition to renewable energy has spurred many efforts to scale up the U.S. portfolio of efficient clean energy resources, including the development of offshore wind farms. The Nantucket Shoals region off the coast of Massachusetts is the first large scale wind farm installation under development in U.S. waters. To ensure Nantucket Shoals region offshore wind energy installations are being planned, constructed, and developed in an environmentally responsible way, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) asked the National Academies . . .
More »Noise pollution from wind turbines and its effects on wildlife: A cross-national analysis of current policies and planning regulations
Author: Teff-Seker, Yael; et al.
Highlights Wind turbine noise (WTN) can have a detrimental effect on nearby wildlife. WTN can harm vital survival, social, and rearing mechanisms in certain species. Planning guidelines in the US, Germany and Israel do not address these adverse effects. Micro-placement, zoning, and impact assessments can aid in WTN impact mitigation. More research is needed on WTN effects on wildlife to create appropriate regulations. Abstract The quest for cleaner energy has caused governments to expand renewable energy infrastructure, including wind turbine . . .
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