Abstract
Large numbers of migratory bats are killed every year at wind energy facilities. However,
population-level impacts are unknown as we lack basic demographic information about these
species. We investigated whether fatalities at wind turbines could impact population viability of
migratory bats, focusing on the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), the species most frequently killed
by turbines in North America. Using expert elicitation and population projection models, we
show that mortality from wind turbines may drastically reduce population size and increase the
risk of extinction. For example, the hoary bat population could decline by as much as 90% in the
next 50 years if the initial population size is near 2.5 million bats and annual population growth
rate is similar to rates estimated for other bat species (λ = 1.01). Our results suggest that wind
energy development may pose a substantial threat to migratory bats in North America. If viable
populations are to be sustained, conservation
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 172-177 |
Journal | Biological Conservation |
State | Published - Feb 23 2017 |