{"id":38762,"date":"2024-10-24T20:26:48","date_gmt":"2024-10-24T17:26:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/?p=38762"},"modified":"2025-05-05T15:46:41","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T12:46:41","slug":"vultures-collision-with-electric-infrastructures-solutions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4vultures.org\/pt\/blog\/vultures-collision-with-electric-infrastructures-solutions\/","title":{"rendered":"Balancing Energy Production and Vulture Conservation\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

As we transition towards renewable energy solutions, due to the climate crisis, wind power stands out as the leading alternative to fossil fuels. However, there is a growing concern regarding the negative impacts that windfarms can have both on wildlife and landscape. Collision with electric infrastructures and electrocution are one of the leading causes of mortality for birds, especially raptors. Luckily, several strategies to reduce bird mortality have been studied. Balancing renewable energy development with wildlife conservation is not only possible, but crucial for a future where both clean energy and biodiversity can coexist and thrive.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bearded Vulture (c) Bruno Berthemy<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The global transition to renewable energy is vital for mitigating climate change and addressing the increasing energy demand. Wind power nowadays plays a key role in this transition with the production of approximately 25% of renewable energy globally<\/a>. Nevertheless, as we build a greener future, we must consider the impact of these technologies on wildlife. Wind turbines and powerlines constitute a leading cause of mortality for birds and bats. Vultures, as large soaring raptors, are one of the most impacted groups.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to our data, based on thousands of records of vulture mortality we hold in our European Vulture mortality database, electrocution on medium-tension electricity pylons is the second most important cause of vulture mortality at continent scale, and in some countries has become the main threat. Collision on windfarms can also locally be a significant cause of mortality, and it has been proved that in some populations (e.g. Egyptian vulture in Andalusia) have population level impacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are now facing a pivotal moment. Can we harness wind energy and taking care of vulnerable species at the same time? <\/em>Scientists, energy providers, governments and NGOs are working together towards several strategies to ensure that the green transition does not come at the cost of biodiversity.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why are vultures so impacted by wind turbines? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vultures are built for soaring. The giant wingspan that makes them so majestic and allows them to glide on thermal updrafts, makes them also particularly vulnerable to wind turbines. Their large bodies and long wings are very hard to manoeuvre, making them less capable of avoiding unexpected obstacles, especially if they are moving fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to their flight style, they have a unique vision field<\/a> tailored to scanning the ground for carcasses. When they fly, they have a great visual coverage below themselves, and significant blind spots ahead and above them. This makes it difficult for them to spot and avoid wind turbines placed in their line of flight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, the same currents that are ideal for vultures to gain height and fly large distance without too much effort, are the most efficient for wind turbines to make energy. The overlap between ideal habitats for vultures and turbine sites increases the likelihood of collisions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vultures are long lived species characterized by late sexual maturity and low reproductive rates. They mature around three to four years old and lay one or two eggs per year. Most vultures are also endangered all over the world. Taking these factors into account helps us understand how impactful the loss of even one individual can be on the survival of the entire populations.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Collisions and electrocution: a combined impact <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Europe counts 23.400 onshore windfarms<\/a>, with over 113.000 wind turbines. These numbers are destined to increase in the next years, therefore we need to consider which factors influence the impact of windfarms<\/a> on vultures\u2019 populations. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n