Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Wind turbine changes needed to save bats, scientists say
Bats are colliding with rotor blades and losing access to habitats.
Ecologists say a global effort is needed to prevent a serious conservation issue.

A global team of researchers have concluded that stricter regulations around the world are needed to better protect bats and other wildlife from wind turbines.

The calls come as the ecologists estimate that, in Germany alone, 200,000 bats are dying annually to wind turbine related causes.

Researchers say that bats are colliding with rotor blades and losing access to traditional habitats, posing a serious conservation issue. They are now calling for a global application of measures to reduce fatalities.

There are currently measures to prevent bat casualties being successfully implemented in the European Union (EU), Canada, and parts of the USA.

These measures prevent wind turbines from being built on ecologically valuable sites, such as diverse old-growth forests. They also ensure that wind turbine development is avoided within proximity of forest edges and water bodies, which may act as migratory corridors for birds and bats.

Additionally, low-yield periods of low wind speed at night are to be excluded from operation. This may cause a low yield loss, but prevents fatalities by more than 80 per cent.

‘Feathering’, where turbine blades are turned at an angle which turns them slower, is also recommended at times of low wind speeds.

However, although the scientific team believe these measures to be effective, they say there is work to be done to implement them on a global scale. The requirements are so far limited to the regulations of countries where bats are protected.

Worldwide, 131 countries have joined a United Nations convention to protect bats. The research team say that most of these signatories have implemented few or no protective measures for bats at wind turbines.

In the USA, only bats ‘threatened with extinction’ receive protection status. While EU member states protect all bats, the scientists believe the implementation of conservation measures remain inconsistent.

Meanwhile in Brazil, environmental licensing remains relaxed, leading to wind farms being constructed in areas with high biodiversity values.

The research team therefore believes that a global effort to implement measures to protect wildlife could protect bats and their place in global ecosystems.

Dr Christian Voigt, head of the department of evolutionary ecology and a bat specialist at Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, said: “In Germany, for example, two thirds of wind turbines on the mainland – that is 18,000 turbines – are operated without curtailment to protect bats.

“Without appropriate regulations to ensure curtailment, an average of 14 bats per year die at a single wind turbine, and at some turbines more than 100 animals per year.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.