PubTalk 7/2012 — Wind Energy and Wildlife

-- the challenges of wind-energy development and wildlife conservation

by Manuela Huso, Research Statistician

• Wind-power development in the United States is increasing exponentially, with proposals to provide 20% of the country's total power by 2030.
• High numbers of bird and bat carcasses at some wind farms have raised concerns about the environmental effects of this rapidly expanding industry.
• Why don't simple counts of carcasses beneath turbines provide reliable estimates of fatality?
• What tools are scientists developing to accurately estimate wildlife fatalities and help identity options for monitoring and mitigation?