Using spatial analyses of bearded vulture movements in southern Africa to inform wind turbine placement

摘要: Summary Concerns over CO2 emissions during energy generation and its effect on climate change have led to increases in the use of renewables, such as wind energy. However, there are also serious environmental concerns this type production due impacts bats birds. In southern Africa, bearded vultures declined by >30% recent decades. They now regionally critically endangered with only around 100 active pairs remaining. This species is considered vulnerable collision turbines which planned within their African range. In study, we develop habitat models using data obtained from 21 different ages fitted GPS tags 2009 2013. We further refined these incorporating flying heights at risk predict important areas that may conflict turbines. Adult non-adult mostly used high elevations steep rugged topography core area; adults tended relatively close proximity nest sites, whereas birds dispersed entire range were more likely fly risk-height less adults. Altitudes fixes non-adults showed they spent 55% 66% time, respectively, placed them collision. Examining locations two proposed farms relation our model predicted ‘at risk’ usage suggested poor positioning. Indeed, one was located 1% ‘worst’ (most heavily used) sites for suggesting current location should be reconsidered reduce impact species. Synthesis applications. demonstrate value identifying intensively areas, order greatly conflicts developments turbines. tool operable scale regional national development plans informed potentially species. Such provide supplementary assessments site-specific proposals.