Bats and Wind Energy Presentation Available Online

A recent presentation by USGS scientist Paul Cryan provides an overview of what is known about bat fatalities at wind energy facilities. In the presentation, Dr. Cryan discusses basic bat ecology, existing patterns of bat fatalities at wind turbines, estimates of cumulative impacts of turbines on bat populations, other known sources of human-induced impacts, methods of studying bats at wind facilities, and existing information gaps. The presentation was given to the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee Technical Workshop and Federal Advisory Committee Meeting. The advisory committee was formed to provide advice and recommendations to the Department of the Interior concerning development of effective measures to avoid or minimize the impacts of wind energy development on wildlife. Dr. Cryan, an expert in bat ecology, is conducting research into why certain bats are highly susceptible to wind turbines and serves on the scientific advisory committee of the Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative (BWEC). The BWEC is a consortium of academic, industry, government, and other organizations working together to address the emergent problem of bat fatalities at wind turbines. Dr. Cryan’s presentation is available online at the link below.

 For more information contact: Paul Cryan

See Also:

 Overview of issues related to bats and wind energy: Web version of presentation to the Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee Technical Workshop & Federal Advisory Committee Meeting, Washington, D.C., 26 February 2008