A new tool reduces the risk of eagles colliding with wind turbines, while help build wind farms sustainably in South Africa.
Between 2015 and 2019, almost 20 eagles have died colliding with fast-moving blades of wind turbines.
South Africa's growing number of wind farms are reducing carbon emissions and ensuring consistent power supply, but are harming eagles.
After attaching GPS transmitters on them, researchers tracked 15 adult eagles over 8 years.
They examined how eagles used the landscape around their nest and the heights that put them at risk for turbine collisions. Using this data, they build a predictive tool that shows where wind turbines can be placed without harming eagles.
The model frees up-to 20% more land for developing turbines while providing increased protection to eagles. Researchers are expanding their work to Ethiopia and Kenya, and building similar tools for other species.
Original article:
Finding space for both wind farms and eagles in South Africa
Original study: