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Behavior of bats at wind turbines
Paul M Cryan1, P Marcos Gorresen2, Cris D Hein3
1Fort Collins Science Center, United States Geological Survey (USGS), Fort Collins, CO 80526; cryanp@usgs.gov.
Summary
Bat fatalities at wind turbines are high, especially for tree-roosting bats. These bats may be attracted to turbines by air currents, mistaking them for trees, leading to dangerous interactions.
Area of Science:
- Wildlife Biology
- Ecology
- Renewable Energy Impacts
Background:
- Wind turbines cause significant bat mortality.
- Tree-roosting bats are disproportionately affected, but the reasons are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate bat behavior around wind turbines.
- Determine factors influencing bat interactions with turbines.
Main Methods:
- Observed bat activity at three experimental wind turbines in Indiana.
- Utilized thermal cameras and manipulated wind turbine blade rotation.
- Recorded 993 bat observations over two months.
Main Results:
- Bats approached turbines more frequently at lower wind speeds and on the downwind side.
- Blade rotation decreased leeward approaches, suggesting turbulence deters bats.
- Bat activity was higher on moonlit nights.
Conclusions:
- Bats may use air currents and vision to navigate toward turbines, similar to tree-roosting behaviors.
- Turbine-induced turbulence may deter bats, but initial attraction to air currents is a risk.
- Bat fatalities may result from maladaptive responses to wind turbines, behaviors beneficial around trees.
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