Using wind tunnels to predict bird mortality in wind farms: the case of griffon vultures.

摘要: Background Wind farms have shown a spectacular growth during the last 15 years. Avian mortality through collision with moving rotor blades is well-known as one of main adverse impacts wind farms. In Spain, griffon vulture incurs highest rates in farms. Methodology/Principal Findings As far we know, this study first attempt to predict flight trajectories birds order foresee potentially dangerous areas for farm development. We analyse topography and flows relation paths vultures, using scaled model area an aerodynamic tunnel, test difference between observed vultures predominant flows. Different currents each direction were observed. Simulations tunnel compared vultures. No statistical differences detected passages our model. A significant correlation was found dead predicted proportion crossing those cells according model. Conclusions Griffon routes matched (i.e. they followed where less effort needed). suggest these kinds simulations over complex terrains can inform location turbines thereby reduce soaring bird mortality.