Global Review on Environmental Impacts of Onshore Wind Energy in the Field of Tension between Human Societies and Natural Systems

Energies, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 17(13), С. 3098 - 3098

Опубликована: Июнь 23, 2024

Deploying onshore wind energy as a cornerstone of future global systems challenges societies and decision-makers worldwide. Expanding should contribute to more sustainable electricity generation without harnessing humans their environment. Opponents often highlight the negative environmental impacts impede its expansion. This study reviews 152 studies synthesize, summarize, discuss critically current knowledge, research gaps, mitigation strategies on energy. The investigated effects comprise abiotic biotic environment, with birds bats in particular, noise visual impacts. Effects are discussed context social acceptance, other technologies, expansion forests. review illustrates that many highly case-specific must be generalizable. Studies biased regarding focus areas, needing standardized methods long-term measurements. Most direct mortality at farms concentrated Europe North America. Knowledge gaps persist for impact categories, efficacy has yet proven. More targeted, unbiased is required allows an objective evaluation mitigate them. Impacts, such those biodiversity, need addressed anthropogenic influences benefits forms basis socially acceptable, efficient,

Язык: Английский

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Rethinking the evaluation of animal translocations

Biological Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 292, С. 110523 - 110523

Опубликована: Март 16, 2024

Translocations are the human-mediated movements of living organisms for conservation and non-conservation purposes. Conservation translocations have become popular important tools. Nevertheless, they commonly lack a standard definition success clear evaluation criteria. We used literature review to investigate if how translocation is defined assessed, research case studies clarified drivers failure. reviewed primary scientific reports IUCN Global Reintroduction Perspectives (GRPs) that focused on raptors, species high socio-ecological value but often endangered by human activities. found neither usually reported explicit definitions or standardised assessments success. The only few were mainly shaped ecological biological considerations, with criteria varying based types. GRPs included frequent mismatches across report sections evaluate Despite ecological, species-intrinsic factors being set as indicators, major difficulties encountered methodological socio-political, concerning community. call rethinking in better reflect their multidimensionality practice, further investigation challenges between conservationists. To guide future translocations, we propose an framework acknowledges multiple dimensions subjectivity its outcomes, process learning perspectives at different timescales. also recommend known importance sociopolitical should favour redefinition field from reintroduction biology science.

Язык: Английский

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Automatic detection of migrating soaring bird flocks using weather radars by deep learning

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Год журнала: 2023, Номер 14(8), С. 2084 - 2094

Опубликована: Июнь 28, 2023

Abstract The use of weather radars to detect and distinguish between different biological patterns greatly improves our understanding aeroecology its consequences for lives. Importantly, it allows us quantify passerine bird migration at scales. Yet, no algorithm soaring flocks in radar is available, precluding ability study this type over large spatial We developed the first automatic detecting birds, an important bio‐flow phenomenon involving many millions birds that travel across extents, with implications risk bird‐aircraft collisions. was a deep learning network semantic segmentation using U‐Net architecture. tested several models products image sequences flock movement identification. best model includes radial velocity product sequence two previous images. It identifies 93% were tagged by human on image, false discovery less than 20%. Large such as those detected pose serious flight safety civilian military transportation therefore application can substantially reduce bird‐strikes, leading reduced financial losses threats In addition, help overcome one main challenges automatically continuously wide scales without need equip tracking devices, unravelling abundance, timing, flyways, seasonal trends influences environmental conditions flocks.

Язык: Английский

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Resolving three-dimensional wind velocity fields with sequential wind-Doppler LiDAR for wind energy in the complex terrain - Gotthard Pass, Switzerland

Open Research Europe, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 5, С. 9 - 9

Опубликована: Янв. 15, 2025

Background Understanding the effects of complex terrain on wind turbines in alpine regions requires high-resolution computational modelling accompanied by detailed observations. In technologically advanced measurement campaigns, often multiple synchronised wind-Doppler LiDARs are deployed to overcome limitation these instruments only measure line-of-sight velocity. Methods this work, a novel deployment method, sequential LiDAR is introduced. We present example field campaign Gotthard Pass, narrow north-south permutated high-mountain pass central Swiss Alps. propose matching algorithm that can robustly group profiles, enabling comparable scientific detail study turbine efficiency as triple whilst requiring single instrument be deployed. Results three-month period summer 2023, we successfully used turbulence kinetic energy, shear and veer, well channelling explain power production discrepancies observed five erected mountain pass.

Язык: Английский

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GPS tracking informs nest reserve design for an endangered raptor, the grey goshawk (Tachyspiza novaehollandiae), in hostile anthropogenic landscapes

Australian Journal of Zoology, Год журнала: 2025, Номер 73(2)

Опубликована: Март 14, 2025

We used GPS telemetry to investigate space use and movements of 15 grey goshawks (Tachyspiza novaehollandiae) in south-east Tasmania, Australia, between 2021 2023. The number nests per territory 73 active breeding territories was also determined inter-nest distances were calculated. Mean minimum convex polygon (MCP) non-breeding season home range size female more than twice as large the mean size. Home males similar seasons MCP estimates suggest their ranges are much larger that females. Tracked residents throughout year with kernel density (KD) core areas centred on nest trees preferred foraging locations. Movement patterns highly recursive although some individuals occasionally undertook long excursions away from nests. goshawk 2.0 (range 1–6). Median distance 78.0 m 1.8–915.0 m). recommend prescriptive reserves for be implemented based our 50%, 75% 95% KD area females season. provide a conceptualised example reserve design.

Язык: Английский

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A predictive flight-altitude model for avoiding future conflicts between an emblematic raptor and wind energy development in the Swiss Alps

Royal Society Open Science, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 9(2)

Опубликована: Фев. 1, 2022

Deployment of wind energy is proposed as a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, and large birds, notably soaring raptors, both depend on suitable conditions. Conflicts in airspace use may thus arise due the risks collisions birds with blades turbines. Using locations GPS-tagged bearded vultures, rare scavenging raptor reintroduced into Alps, we built spatially explicit model predict potential areas conflict future turbine deployments Swiss Alps. We modelled probability vultures flying within or below rotor-swept zone turbines function environmental conditions, including food supply. Seventy-four per cent GPS positions were collected 200 m above ground level, i.e. where could occur if present. Flight activity at risk collision concentrated south-exposed mountainsides, especially ibex carcasses have high occurrence probability, critical covering vast expanses throughout Our provides decision tool that will guide authorities companies for planning deployment farms proactive manner emblematic Alpine wildlife.

Язык: Английский

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Survival of a small reintroduced griffon vulture population in the Apennines: Insights from Global Positioning System tracking

Avian Biology Research, Год журнала: 2022, Номер 16(1), С. 3 - 13

Опубликована: Окт. 31, 2022

Conservation translocations ( e. g., restocking, reintroductions) represent efficient tools to prevent the extinction or favouring return of previously extirpated populations into wild. Evaluating demographic parameters translocated is a key issue assess and monitor their conservation status provide evidences useful implement management actions aimed at long-term results. We report first data on survival estimates related mortality causes for reintroduced population Eurasian griffon vultures Gyps fulvus) in central-southern Apennine, Italy, from satellite telemetry data. Twenty have been fitted with solar-powered Global Positioning System (GPS) tags Pollino National Park (PNP, southern N = 9) Monte Velino Reserve (MVR, central 11). Survival has estimated total amount 173,568 GPS fixes December 2016 October 2020 (1415 days) using Fleming-Harrington estimator. Five, out 20 vultures, died by poisoning (40%), collision wind turbines (20%) unknown (40%). Two birds dispersed MVR France (though they later came back) one PNP Croatia. Estimated rate across whole study period was 0.709 (±0.11, SE; 0.523–0.961, 95% CI), annual 0.915 (±0.06, 0.846–0.990, CI). No significant differences rates detected according sex age. As our mainly human-caused, we urge relevant institutions agencies strengthen effectively establish anti-poison strategies, as well implementing mitigation prevention measures existing planned farms. The establishment viable Apennines will depend upon both lower levels human-caused habitat preservation.

Язык: Английский

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Demographic assessment of reintroduced bearded vultures in the Alps: Success in the core, challenges in the periphery

Ecological Solutions and Evidence, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 5(2)

Опубликована: Апрель 1, 2024

Abstract Regular assessment of reintroduced populations is essential to guide management and provide lessons for other reintroduction projects. Bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus in the Alps began 1986 with release first fledglings, successful reproduction was recorded 1997, population has grown steadily since. A previous suggested that no further releases would be required establish a self‐sustaining from demographic point view. However, this conclusion based on small sample size spatially homogeneous rates released individuals, which may differ variable among wild‐hatched individuals. Using longitudinal data breeding site survey data, we constructed an integrated model examine demography entire Alpine population, stratified into core periphery. We performed retrospective analyses identify reasons spatial differences growth conducted viability assess impact future threats options. In 2021, estimated 172 (CRI: 147–198) females were present Alps, 65 63–67) breeders. Adult survival productivity higher than periphery, so grew more strongly Differences adult contributed most between two areas. The analysis predicts will double 10 years but increase mortality hazard above 0.055 lead decline. Unlike core, periphery dependent at stage. reintroductions have succeeded creating reproductive success similar probabilities autochthonous Pyrenean population. general, should focus preventing risks. reducing current increasing are make independent releases.

Язык: Английский

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Predicting the spatial distribution of wintering golden eagles to inform full annual cycle conservation in western North America

PLoS ONE, Год журнала: 2024, Номер 19(1), С. e0297345 - e0297345

Опубликована: Янв. 31, 2024

Wildlife conservation strategies focused on one season or population segment may fail to adequately protect populations, especially when a species’ habitat preferences vary among seasons, age-classes, geographic regions, other factors. Conservation of golden eagles ( Aquila chrysaetos ) is an example such complex scenario, in which the distribution, use, and migratory this species concern by age-class, reproductive status, region, season. Nonetheless, research aimed at mapping priority use areas inform management western North America has typically territory-holding adults during breeding period, largely exclusion seasons life-history groups. To support population-wide planning across full annual cycle for eagles, we developed distribution model individuals not evaluated–winter–and area interior U.S. that high species. We used large GPS-telemetry dataset library environmental variables develop machine-learning predict spatial variation relative intensity winter Wyoming, USA, surrounding ecoregions. Based rigorous series evaluations including cross-validation, withheld independent data, our winter-season accurately predicted multiple age- groups associated with nesting territories (i.e., all age classes long-distance migrants, resident non-adults adult “floaters”, movements territory holders their offspring outside territories). Important predictors were wind uplift (40.2% contribution), vegetation landcover (27.9%), topography (14%), climate weather (9.4%), ecoregion (8.7%). Predicted high-use had relatively low overlap habitat, suggesting strategy targeting would capture as much half little quarter The majority (top 10% quantile) occurred private lands (55%); managed states Bureau Land Management (BLM) lower amount (33%), but higher concentration than expected (1.5–1.6x). These results will enable those involved study region incorporate prioritization wintering into existing regulatory processes, land-use tasks, actions.

Язык: Английский

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Effects of wind farms on raptors: A systematic review of the current knowledge and the potential solutions to mitigate negative impacts

Animal Conservation, Год журнала: 2024, Номер unknown

Опубликована: Окт. 11, 2024

Abstract Wind farms are a clean and efficient source of renewable energy. However, they cause negative impacts on raptors. Here, we present review the existing scientific literature effects wind raptors' ecology with particular interest in potential solutions. After collecting 216 studies, found consensus that raptors exhibit avoidance behaviors, abundance decreases after farm installation, although it might recover over time. The position mountaintop ridges poses danger to large soaring raptors, as rely orographic uplift gain altitude. Adult mortality significantly affects population dynamics, particularly endangered species, but young inexperienced individuals show higher collision risk. combination different methods including field monitoring, GPS telemetry systematic search for carcasses is an adequate approach further investigate problem Shutdowns demand, installation deterrents, turbine micro‐sitting repowering have been suggested solutions, results contradictory case‐specific. Furthermore, essential report occurrence conflicts papers, can influence interpretation results. Finally, from future perspective, crucial assess effectiveness solutions mitigate promote raptor conservation. This becomes increasingly relevant context energy development increasing demand worldwide.

Язык: Английский

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