As long-time advocates for the protection and well-being of bats, we regularly echo the importance they have on our surrounding Eco-systems and local economies. For this reason, it is a concern that many bat fatalities may be a result of wind and air pressure changes caused by giant wind turbines.
Wind turbine from aerial view. Sustainable development environment friendly concept. Wind turbine give renewable energy sustainable energy alternative energy. Wind sustainability energy.
Wind energy is a significant alternative energy source used to help reduce fossil fuel consumption. Until a study was done in West Virginia regarding bat fatalities, the primary environmental concern with wind energy was bird fatalities. The West Virginian study revealed that up to 4,000 bats died in a period of just one season, and it could have been due to the environmental impacts of wind turbines.
The Link Between Wind Energy and Bat Fatalities
So why are bats dying from wind turbines? For decades, researchers have studied this question. To this very day, they are still investigating the link between wind energy and bat fatalities. Although there are several theories and studies in existence, many believe that the number one reason why bats are being killed by wind turbines is because they are simply flying into the turbine blades.
Other research has suggested that wind energy-related bat fatalities could be a result of barotrauma, which is a health condition that damages lung tissue, inner ear tissue, and other respiratory organs. Barotrauma is suspected of being caused by air pressure changes that occur too rapidly or in excess. This type of massive air pressure change takes place near the edges of turning turbine blades.
National Statistics
There was a recent study done that investigated the mortality rate of Hoary bats near wind energy facilities during 2014. It suggested that populations could plummet by 90% within the next 50 years if nothing is done to protect bats. Here are some more interesting statistics:
➔ In the United States and Canada, a projected 650,000 to 1.3 million bats lost their lives between the years of 2000 to 2011 as a result of turbine collisions.
➔ It is suspected that in 2012, 400,000 more bats died as a result of wind energy structures.
➔ In the United States and Canada, 24 species of bats (and possibly more) are on record as victims of wind turbines, including the Hoary bat, Eastern Red bat, and the Silver-Haired bat.
➔ Even endangered species have been reported as being killed by wind turbines, including the Indiana bat and the Hawaiian Hoary bat.
SOURCE: Arnett and Baerwald 2013
Finding a Solution
Wind energy is substantially important to our society, and our world as a whole. And so are bats. This is why we need to find a working solution to the environmental impact wind turbines have on nature’s wildlife. So what can you do to help the initiative? Support the various organizations working hard to develop the right strategies and solutions.
Such organizations include Bat Conservation International, Bats and Wind Energy Cooperative (BWEC), American Wind Energy Association, Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. Show your support by providing donations, educating yourself with the various free resources they provide, joining community efforts for wildlife conservation, and always be nice to bats!
Got Bat Problems Near You?
Virginia Bat Removal and Control 804-729-9097