Effects of wind turbines on spatial distribution of the European hamster

摘要: Abstract Rapid worldwide growth of wind energy is an important factor that changing agricultural areas and affecting wildlife. The impact farms on ground-dwelling animals poorly recognized. Such lack knowledge disadvantageous, particularly in the case rare protected species, because it may lead to incomplete or inappropriate conservation strategies. We studied whether turbines through their vibration visual acoustic contribute fragmentation environment change spatial distribution European hamster Cricetus cricetus (a small mammal, threatened with extinction) within farm areas. study was conducted at three Poland. hamsters' burrows were counted along 218 transects near (up 150 m), intermediate distances (200–500 m), outside (1–5 km). did not find any evidence operational phase cause habitat for its distribution. species occurred even turbines, zone most intense noise ground vibrations. Possible explanations patterns around implications strategy this endangered contemporary habitats are discussed.