Wind turbines are a sustainable way to harvest energy from the natural processes of our planet, but they are also a dangerous hazard for bats. According to a recent study by the United States Geological Survey, some species of migratory tree bats are mistaking the wind turbines for trees, and tens of thousands of them are reportedly flying to their death every year.
Wind turbines are a sustainable way to harvest energy from the natural processes of our planet, but they are also a dangerous hazard for bats.
According to a recent study by the United States Geological Survey, some bat species, especially migratory tree bats, are mistaking wind turbines for trees, with tens to hundreds of thousands reportedly flying to their death every year.
Researchers used thermal video camera footage to study how the bats interacted with the wind turbines.
Results of the study show that bats approached turbines mostly on nights when the moon is shining brightly, and they fly towards the turbine from a down wind direction.
Marcos Gorresen, an author of the study, and scientist with the University of Hawaii at Hilo is quoted as saying: "We see these behaviors less often on darker nights and when fast-moving turbine blades are creating chaotic downwind turbulence. This may be because bats are less likely to mistake turbines for trees and approach them in those conditions."
The researchers hope the study results lead to improved preventative measures on those already in place including increasing the speed at which the blades start, along with trying to understand the cause of this behavior.
